A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Champneys family of England.
Reg. 7399 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Per pale ar. and sa. within a bordure engr. counterchanged a lion ramp. gu”
KentHall Place · Kent, c. 1534
Where the Champneys Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of England showing where the Champneys arms are recorded
The Champneys arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1534.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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.
Henry VIII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VIII of England
1509–1547
Reigning in England when the Champneys 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Champneys Family in England
The surname Champneys is a locative name that originated from the Old French term "champenois," which was used to describe someone who hailed from the Champagne region of France. It is likely that the name arrived in England following the Norman Conquest, as many settlers adopted names that identified their place of origin. By 1534, the family was firmly established in the county of Kent, where they became prominent landowners and members of the local gentry. During this period, the family played an active role in the social and political life of the region, often serving in administrative positions or as influential figures within their parish communities. Their presence in Kent suggests a long history of integration into English society, transitioning from their continental roots to becoming a well-known name in the southeastern landscape of England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Champagne
A region in France characterized by open, flat, or level country.
This name
ChampneysAn occupational or habitational name for someone who originated from the Champagne region of France.
also spelled
Champneis
Champnes
Related arms
Champneis, or Champneyvariant spelling
Champnesvariant spelling
Bailyrecorded with Champneys, same area
Bramstonrecorded with Champneys, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Hasted, Edward, The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent, 1797
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1384–1858
Kent Archives and Local History Centre, Parish Registers of Kent, 1538–1900
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
