Map of England showing where the Broughton arms are recorded
The Broughton arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1584.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Broughton 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 Broughton Family in England
The surname Broughton is a locational name, meaning it originated from people who lived in or near a place called Broughton. In Old English, the name translates to a farmstead near a brook or a fortified settlement. While there are many places in England with this name, the family established a notable presence in the city of Chester by 1584. During the late sixteenth century, Chester served as a vital hub for trade and administration in the northwest of England. Families living in this region often played significant roles in local commerce or civic governance. As the Broughton name spread from these rural settlements into growing urban centers like Chester, the family became integrated into the social and economic life of the city. This transition from land-based origins to city dwelling reflects the broader movement of English families during the Elizabethan era as they sought new opportunities in developing trade centers.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
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 lion ramp. sa”
Irelandc. 1677
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Map of Ireland showing where the Broughton arms are recorded
The Broughton arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1677.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in England when the Broughton arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Broughton Family in Ireland
The Broughton family name established a notable presence in Ireland by the late seventeenth century, with records confirming their residence in Dublin as early as 1677. While the name itself is of English origin, typically referring to a person who lived near a brook or a town, those who settled in Ireland often integrated into the administrative and merchant classes of the capital city. During this period, Dublin was a growing hub of trade and political activity, and families like the Broughtons were frequently involved in the urban development of the city. By settling in such a central location, these early family members were positioned to participate in the social and economic shifts that defined post-Restoration Ireland. Their presence in the city archives during the 1670s suggests they were part of a wave of families who helped shape the professional landscape of Dublin during a time of significant transition.
Broughton Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
broc and tun
Old English for badger and an enclosed settlement or town.
This name
BroughtonRefers to a settlement located near a place frequented by badgers.
also spelled
Brughton
Broughtun
Related arms
Brentonsimilar arms
Blennerhassettrecorded with Broughton, same area
Goodingerecorded with Broughton, same area
Loudhamrecorded with Broughton, same area
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 Records (G/1/1), 1584
Ekwall, Eilert, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-names, 1960
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
