A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bridgen family of England.
Reg. 0682 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bridgeOne who joins what was divided
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Az. a bridge of three arches, embattled at top, in fesse ar. masoned sa. betw. three sea lions pass. or”
EnglandLondon, c. 1764
Where the Bridgen Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Bridgen arms are recorded
The Bridgen arms were recorded in London, c. 1764.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in England when the Bridgen arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Bridgen Family in England
The surname Bridgen is a topographical name, which means it was originally used to identify people based on where they lived. It likely refers to someone who resided near a small bridge or a specific crossing point over a stream or river. By the mid-eighteenth century, the name was firmly established in the bustling environment of London. Records from 1764 show that members of the Bridgen family were active participants in the city’s growing economy during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution. As London expanded rapidly during this period, families like the Bridgens often moved into specialized trades or merchant roles to support the needs of the urban population. This history reflects the broader movement of people toward major cities in search of new opportunities and stable livelihoods during the eighteenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Brycg
Old English word for a bridge or a structure over water.
This name
BridgenA topographical surname for someone who lived near a bridge or worked as a bridge keeper.
also spelled
Bridgin
Brydgen
Brydgin
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
London Metropolitan Archives, London, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538–1812
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bridgeOne who joins what was divided
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bridgeOne who joins what was divided
lionCourage, strength and royalty
