Map of England showing where the Contro arms are recorded
The Contro 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 Contro 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 Contro Family in England
The family name Contro carries a history rooted in the movement of people across Europe during the seventeenth century. While the name is often associated with Mediterranean origins, records confirm that members of the family were established in the English county of Kent by 1620. During this period, Kent served as a vital gateway for trade and migration, making it a common destination for families arriving from the continent. These early settlers likely integrated into the local agricultural or maritime economy, contributing to the diverse social fabric of the region. By settling in Kent, the family became part of the local historical record, reflecting the broader patterns of mobility that defined the era. Their presence in this specific location suggests they were part of the steady stream of families who sought new opportunities in England during the early Stuart period.
Contro Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
contra
Latin preposition meaning against or opposite.
This name
ControAn occupational or descriptive name for someone who lived opposite a landmark or acted as an opponent.
also spelled
Contrey
Contrie
Contray
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
The National Archives, Kew, State Papers Domestic, James I (SP 14)
Kent History and Library Centre, Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Probate Records (PRC 32)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
