A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Britt family of England.
Reg. 0253 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. a fesse ar. (another, or) betw. three escallops or”
DevonshireDevonshire, c. 1620
Where the Britt Arms Were Recorded
Devonshire
Map of England showing where the Britt arms are recorded
The Britt arms were recorded in Devonshire, c. 1620.
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 Britt 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 Devonshire.
Origin & History of the Britt Family in England
The surname Britt has deep roots in the southwestern region of England, particularly within the county of Devonshire. Historical records confirm that families bearing this name were well-established in the area by the early seventeenth century, including the year 1620. The name itself is often linked to the ancient Britons, who were the Celtic people inhabiting the island before the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons. Over many generations, the name evolved as a way to identify individuals who had ties to these original inhabitants or who migrated from Brittany in northern France. By the time the seventeenth century arrived, the Britt family was firmly integrated into the local Devonshire community, likely participating in the agricultural and maritime life that defined the coastal landscape of the region during that era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Brittus
Latin term referring to a person from the region of Brittany.
This name
BrittAn ethnic or habitational name denoting someone who originated from Brittany in France.
also spelled
Brytt
Brutte
Related arms
Bryttvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Registers of Devon, 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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
