A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Clagett family of England.
Reg. 3581 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 fesse sa. three pheons or”
KentLondon · Kent, c. 1620
Where the Clagett Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of England showing where the Clagett arms are recorded
The Clagett arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Clagett 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 Clagett Family in England
The Clagett family name has deep roots in the county of Kent, England, where members of the family were well-established by the early 17th century. The name is believed to be locational in origin, likely derived from a specific place or small settlement in the region that no longer exists by that exact spelling today. By 1620, the Clagetts were active participants in the social and religious life of Kent, with several family members serving as prominent clergymen in the Church of England. These early ancestors were part of a rising professional class that valued education and public service. As the century progressed, the family expanded their influence beyond their local parishes, eventually leading some members to seek new opportunities across the Atlantic in the American colonies. This migration helped the name take root in places like Maryland, where descendants continued to play active roles in local government and community development.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
clag
Old English term referring to sticky mud or clay soil.
This name
ClagettA topographical surname for someone who lived near a muddy or clay-rich area.
also spelled
Clagete
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Berry, William. County Genealogies: Pedigrees of the Families in the County of Kent. 1830
Hasted, Edward. The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent. 1797
The National Archives, Kew. Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills, 1384–1858. Reference PROB 11
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
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
arms pheon arrowheadReadiness for battle, and the broad arrow of the sovereign
