A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Clapham family of England.
Reg. 7142 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Ar. on a bend az. six fleurs-de-lis or, two, two, and two”
YorkBurley Grange · York, c. 1620
Where the Clapham Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Clapham arms are recorded
The Clapham arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Clapham 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 York.
Origin & History of the Clapham Family in England
The surname Clapham is a locative name, meaning it originated from a specific place rather than a trade or a personal characteristic. It is derived from the Old English words "clop," meaning a hill or lump, and "ham," meaning a village or homestead. This suggests that the earliest ancestors of the family lived near a prominent hill or an elevated settlement. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records confirm that members of the Clapham family were active residents there by 1620, likely participating in the city's vibrant trade and civic life during a period of significant growth. As the family expanded, they became deeply integrated into the local community, leaving behind a legacy that reflects the long history of northern English surnames.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Clapa
An Old English personal name derived from the word for clapper or latch.
This name
ClaphamA settlement or enclosure belonging to a person named Clapa.
also spelled
Clapeham
Related arms
Clapehamvariant spelling
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
