Map of England showing where the Burlison arms are recorded
The Burlison arms were recorded in Durham, c. 1620.
Durham was governed by its bishop rather than the crown for most of its history, with its own courts and its own landed class. That separate world produced a tight group of families, nearly all of whom held 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 Burlison 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 Durham.
Origin & History of the Burlison Family in England
The family name Burlison is rooted in the northern English landscape, specifically within the historic county of Durham. By the early seventeenth century, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this region, which was then a center for coal mining and agricultural trade. The name itself is likely a locative surname, meaning it was originally used to identify people based on the specific place where they lived. Linguists suggest the name evolved from Old English terms describing a settlement near a stream or a hill, which fits the geography of the Durham area perfectly. As the family grew, they became deeply integrated into the local community, living through the significant social and religious shifts that defined northern England during the 1600s. These early ancestors were likely yeoman farmers or skilled tradespeople who helped shape the local economy long before the industrial expansion of the later centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Burh-leah-tun
Fortified settlement located near a woodland clearing.
This name
BurlisonDerived from a place name referring to a farmstead by a fortified clearing.
also spelled
Burlenson
Burlinsonne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Surtees, Robert, The History and Antiquities of the County Palatine of Durham, 1816
Durham County Record Office, Durham Bishopric Estates Records, 1620
Reaney, Percy Hide, 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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
lionCourage, strength and royalty
