A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brooking family of England.
Reg. 5501 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. on a fesse or, betw. three crescents ar. a cinquefoil gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Brooking Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Brooking arms are recorded
The Brooking 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 Brooking 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 Brooking Family in England
The surname Brooking is a topographical name, meaning it was originally used to describe someone who lived near a small stream or a brook. During the early 17th century, the family established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Brooking family were active participants in the local community during this period. As the name spread throughout England, it became closely associated with families who settled in rural areas near water sources. Over time, the spelling evolved from early variations into the modern form that is recognized today. This history reflects the common practice of naming families after the specific landscapes where they built their homes and livelihoods.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
broc
Old English term for a badger or a brook.
This name
BrookingA person who lived near a small stream or a place frequented by badgers.
also spelled
Brookine
Brooken
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, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Yorkshire Parish Registers, Series PR/YOR
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
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cinquefoilHope and joy
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cinquefoilHope and joy
