A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Chichester family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
Reg. 2352 · French, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
vairProtection, and the winter fur
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
VairMeans: Protection
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 échiq. d'or et de gu., au chef de vair (Chichester); aux 2 et 3 d'azur fretté d'arg. (Itchingham). C.: une cigogne au nat., le vol levé, tenant en son bec une anguille d'arg. S.: deux loups de gu., coll. de couronnes d'or, enchainés du même. D.: INVITUM SEQUITUR HONOR; et: HONOR SEQUITUR FUGIENTEM.”
Francec. 1612
Where the Chichester Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Chichester arms are recorded
The Chichester arms were recorded in France, c. 1612.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Louis XIII of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIII of France
1610–1617
Reigning in France when the Chichester arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Chichester Family in France
The origins of the Chichester family name are deeply rooted in the historical landscape of northern France, particularly within the region of Brittany. By the early 17th century, members of the family were well-established figures in the local community, as evidenced by records confirming their presence in the area by 1612. During this period, the family lived amidst the complex social and political shifts of the French provinces, where families of their standing often held roles in local administration or land management. The name itself reflects the linguistic traditions of the era, evolving through the unique cultural exchanges that defined the Breton countryside. While the family eventually expanded their influence across the English Channel, their early history remains tied to the traditions and regional identity of this coastal French territory.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. sa. a covered cup ar”
EnglandLondon, c. 1369
Where the Chichester Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Chichester arms are recorded
The Chichester arms were recorded in London, c. 1369.
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.
Edward III of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward III of England
1327–1377
Reigning in France when the Chichester 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 Chichester Family in England
The Chichester family name originates from the historic city of Chichester in West Sussex, reflecting the common medieval practice of adopting a surname based on one's place of origin. While the family established a notable presence in London by 1369, their roots are deeply tied to the social and political shifts that occurred in England following the Norman Conquest. As the family moved through the centuries, they integrated into the landed gentry, often serving in local government and administrative roles that allowed them to expand their influence across southern England. Their history is defined by a gradual transition from regional landowners to figures of national importance, mirroring the broader development of the English administrative class during the late Middle Ages. By maintaining strong ties to both their ancestral home and the bustling capital, the family successfully navigated the complex social hierarchies of the time to secure their place in English history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
vairProtection, and the winter fur
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
VairMeans: Protection
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)
“Chequy or and gu. a chief vair a crescent for diff”
Irelandc. 1604
Where the Chichester Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Chichester arms are recorded
The Chichester arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1604.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in France when the Chichester arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Chichester Family in Ireland
The Chichester family established a significant presence in Ireland during the early seventeenth century, primarily through the influence of Sir Arthur Chichester. By 1604, the family had become deeply embedded in the administrative and political life of Dublin, serving as key figures in the English government’s efforts to manage the country. Their rise to prominence was tied to the distribution of land and the implementation of new legal structures across the island. As they settled into their roles, the Chichesters transitioned from being newcomers to becoming one of the most powerful landowning families in the region. Their influence extended far beyond the capital, shaping the development of local governance and the social landscape of the areas they controlled. This period marked the beginning of a long-standing connection between the family name and the evolving history of Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cissaceaster
A Roman fort or camp belonging to Cissa.
This name
ChichesterDerived from a place name in West Sussex, England, denoting a fortified settlement.
also spelled
Chichestre
Chichesterre
Chichest
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil, Series E
Jones, Michael, The Creation of Brittany: A Late Medieval State, 1988
Le Moyne de La Borderie, Arthur, Histoire de Bretagne, 1896
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
