A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Clephane family of England.
Reg. 6504 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
helmetWisdom and security in defence
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. a lion ramp. gu., in the dexter chief point an esquire's helmet az. ; 2nd and 3rd, ar. a heart gu. regally crowned ppr. within a bordure az. charged with eight buckles or, on a chief of the fourth three mullets of the first, for DOUGLAS, of Kirkness. Crest and Motto, as the last”
NorthamptonNorthampton, c. 1620
Where the Clephane Arms Were Recorded
Northampton
Map of England showing where the Clephane arms are recorded
The Clephane arms were recorded in Northampton, c. 1620.
Northamptonshire was grazing and hunting country in the middle of England, thick with manor houses. Its families were numerous and long-settled, and a settled landed family almost always ended up with 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 Clephane 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 Northampton.
Origin & History of the Clephane Family in England
The Clephane family name has deep roots that stretch back to the medieval period in Scotland, where it was primarily associated with the lands of Carslogie in Fife. The family held a prominent position in Scottish society for several centuries, often serving as loyal supporters of the monarchy. By the early 17th century, members of the family began to move beyond their traditional Scottish estates. Historical records confirm that by 1620, individuals bearing the Clephane name had established a presence in Northampton, England. This migration suggests that the family was part of a broader movement of people seeking new opportunities in trade or administration during the reign of King James VI and I. As they settled into these new communities, the Clephanes integrated into the local social and economic life of the region, marking a transition from their origins as Scottish landowners to becoming part of the growing English middle class.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Clef
A cliff or steep rock face of geological origin.
This name
ClephaneA topographical surname referring to someone who lived near a steep cliff or crag.
also spelled
Clephanus
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Anderson, William. The Scottish Nation; or, The Surnames, Families, Literature, Honours, and Biographical History of the People of Scotland. 1863
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
helmetWisdom and security in defence
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bordureA difference between branches of one family
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
helmetWisdom and security in defence
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
