A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Capper family of England.
Reg. 3977 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
hat or capDignity, and the honour of office
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. three caps sa. banded or”
ChesterChester, c. 1620
Where the Capper Arms Were Recorded
Chester
Map of England showing where the Capper arms are recorded
The Capper 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 Capper 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 Capper Family in England
The surname Capper is an occupational name that originated in medieval England, specifically referring to a person who made or sold caps. During the Middle Ages, headwear was a vital part of daily attire, and those who crafted these items held a respected place in the local economy. By the early 17th century, the Capper family had established a notable presence in the city of Chester. Records confirm that members of the family were living there by 1620, a time when Chester served as a bustling center for trade and regional administration. As residents of this historic walled city, the early Cappers likely participated in the vibrant mercantile life that defined the area during the Stuart period. Their presence in such a significant urban hub suggests that they were integrated into the professional guilds or the civic life that allowed families to maintain their status across generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
cappa
A Latin term for a hooded cloak or cape.
This name
CapperAn occupational surname for a maker or seller of caps and headgear.
also spelled
Kapper
Related arms
Chancerecorded with Capper, same area
Collmore, or Collamorerecorded with Capper, same area
Daviesrecorded with Capper, same area
Lucyrecorded with Capper, 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 Parish 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.
hat or capDignity, and the honour of office
hat or capDignity, and the honour of office
