A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Briton family of England.
Reg. 3917 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Paly of six or and gu. a bend sa. guttée d' eau”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Briton Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Briton arms are recorded
The Briton arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Briton 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 Briton Family in England
The surname Briton emerged in medieval England as a descriptive name used to identify people who had migrated from Brittany or those who identified with the ancient Celtic populations of Britain. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. During this period, York served as a major center for trade and administration in Northern England, and families like the Britons often held roles within the local merchant classes or skilled trades. Living in a city defined by its Roman foundations and medieval walls, these early family members were part of a community that navigated the significant social and religious shifts of the Jacobean era. Their presence in the city records of 1620 suggests they were well-integrated into the urban life of Northern England long before the mass migrations that would later spread the name across the globe.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Brittones
The ancient Celtic people inhabiting the island of Great Britain.
This name
BritonA locative or ethnic surname denoting an individual who originated from Britain.
also spelled
Brittain
Briten
Related arms
Bretonvariant spelling
Britainvariant spelling
Brittenvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
