A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Capps family of England.
Reg. 4530 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
antelopeHarmony, polity and peace
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. on a fesse betw. three antelopes pass. or, as many escallops gu”
NorfolkMartham · Norfolk, c. 1620
Where the Capps Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Capps arms are recorded
The Capps arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Capps 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Capps Family in England
The family name Capps is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive surname, likely derived from the Middle English word "cappe," which referred to a maker or seller of caps and headwear. By the early 17th century, members of the Capps family were well-established in the county of Norfolk, a region known for its strong ties to the wool and textile trades. In 1620, records indicate that individuals bearing this name were living in this area, which was a hub for skilled artisans and merchants. As the English colonies in North America began to grow, some of these Norfolk families sought new opportunities across the Atlantic. These early settlers brought their name and their trade skills to the Virginia colony, where they helped establish the family roots that would eventually spread throughout the United States.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
cappa
A Latin term referring to a hooded cloak or cape.
This name
CappsAn occupational surname for a maker or seller of hooded cloaks or caps.
also spelled
Cappe
Cape
Related arms
Capevariant spelling
Cappevariant spelling
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
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives (UK), Probate Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1620
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
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
antelopeHarmony, polity and peace
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
antelopeHarmony, polity and peace
