A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Colson family of England.
Reg. 6545 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Sa. on a pale betw. two palets ar. three escutcheons gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Colson Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Colson arms are recorded
The Colson arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
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 Colson 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 Colson Family in England
The surname Colson originated in England as a patronymic name, which means it was derived from the first name of a father or ancestor. Specifically, it is a variation of the name Nicholas, with the suffix "son" indicating that the bearer was the son of someone named Cole, a common medieval nickname for Nicholas. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Colson family were active participants in the social and economic life of this northern English hub. During this period, families like the Colsons often moved between trade guilds and local governance, helping to shape the development of the city as it transitioned through the Stuart era. Their presence in York suggests they were part of the growing middle class that contributed to the city’s long-standing reputation as a center for commerce and administration.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Nicholas
Derived from the Greek name Nikolaos meaning victory of the people.
This name
ColsonA patronymic surname meaning son of Nicholas.
also spelled
Coleson
Collsone
Colsin
Colsun
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
