A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Chamberlaine family of England.
Reg. 1180 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Erm. on a chev. gu. three garbs or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Chamberlaine Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Chamberlaine arms are recorded
The Chamberlaine 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 Chamberlaine 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 Chamberlaine Family in England
The surname Chamberlaine originates from the medieval office of the chamberlain, a high-ranking official responsible for managing the private quarters and financial affairs of a royal or noble household. During the Middle Ages, individuals who served in this capacity often adopted the title as a permanent family name to signify their status and professional duties. By the early 17th century, the name had become well-established across various regions of England. Historical records confirm that members of the Chamberlaine family were present in the city of York by 1620, where they were likely integrated into the local merchant or civic classes that defined the city’s economy at the time. This migration into northern urban centers reflects a broader trend of families moving toward established trade hubs to seek new opportunities during the reign of King James I.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
camera
Latin term for a vaulted chamber or room.
This name
ChamberlaineAn occupational title for an official in charge of a nobleman's private chambers or treasury.
also spelled
Chamberlayne
Chamberlen
Chamberlayn
Related arms
Chamberlaynvariant spelling
Chamberlaynevariant spelling
Chamberlenvariant 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
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
