A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brocklehurst family of England.
Reg. 0879 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
badgerSteadfastness and persistence
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a chev. sa. betw. three brocks ppr”
ChesterHurdstield · Chester, c. 1620
Where the Brocklehurst Arms Were Recorded
Chester
Map of England showing where the Brocklehurst arms are recorded
The Brocklehurst arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families 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 Brocklehurst 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Brocklehurst Family in England
The surname Brocklehurst is a locative name, meaning it originated from a specific place rather than a person’s trade or nickname. The name is derived from Old English words that describe a wooded hill or a clearing near a brook, specifically a "brock" or badger-infested wood. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Chester, which served as a major hub for trade and administration in Northwest England. Records confirm that members of the Brocklehurst family were active in this region by 1620, likely participating in the local merchant classes or the agricultural life of the surrounding Cheshire countryside. Over time, the family name became deeply rooted in the history of the county, reflecting the common practice of families adopting the names of the landscapes they inhabited.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
brocc and hyrst
Old English for badger and a wooded hill or grove.
This name
BrocklehurstA dweller at a wooded hill frequented by badgers.
also spelled
Brockelhurst
Broklehurst
Brokelhurst
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
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Chester City Parish Records, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
badgerSteadfastness and persistence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
badgerSteadfastness and persistence
