Map of England showing where the Chester arms are recorded
The Chester arms were recorded in London, c. 1560.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Chester 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 Chester Family in England
The surname Chester is a locational name that originated in England, derived from the Latin word *castrum*, which refers to a Roman fort or walled city. Families who adopted this name often did so because they lived in or near a town that had once served as a Roman military station, such as the city of Chester in Cheshire. By the mid-sixteenth century, the name had spread across the country, with clear records placing members of the family in London by 1560. During this era, London was a rapidly growing center of trade and commerce, attracting individuals from various regions who sought new opportunities. As these families settled in the capital, the name became associated with the urban development of the city, reflecting a transition from rural roots to the bustling life of a major metropolitan hub.
Chester Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
castrum
A Latin term referring to a fortified place or military camp.
This name
ChesterRefers to a person who lived in or near a Roman walled city or fortress.
also spelled
Chestre
Related arms
Chestorvariant spelling
Morlandrecorded with Chester, same area
Southrecorded with Chester, same area
Stanleyrecorded with Chester, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Parish registers of St. Mary at Hill, London, 1560
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chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ramLeadership and authority
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ramLeadership and authority
