A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cookes family of England.
Reg. 5406 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
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)
“Ar. two chevs. betw. six martlets three, two, and one, gu., quartering JENNETTS and DENHAM”
WorcesterBentley · Worcester, c. 1620
Where the Cookes Arms Were Recorded
Worcester
Map of England showing where the Cookes arms are recorded
The Cookes arms were recorded in Worcester, c. 1620.
Worcestershire was orchard and farming country with a scattering of old manors. Its gentry were middling rather than great, but a manor was a manor, and holding one was what brought 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 Cookes 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 Worcester.
Origin & History of the Cookes Family in England
The surname Cookes is an occupational name that originated in medieval England, derived from the Old English word "coc," which referred to a person who prepared food for others. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Worcester. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Cookes family were active participants in the social and economic life of this region. During this era, families with this name were often integrated into the local merchant and landowning classes, contributing to the development of the Worcestershire area. Their history reflects the broader movement of English families who transitioned from simple trade roles to becoming respected figures within their local communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cocus
A Latin term referring to a person who prepares food.
This name
CookesAn occupational surname for someone employed as a professional chef or kitchen worker.
also spelled
Coke
Related arms
Tyllecksimilar arms
Cokevariant spelling
Hemmingrecorded with Cookes, same area
Jennetrecorded with Cookes, same area
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
Nash, Treadway, Collections for the History of Worcestershire, 1781
Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, Parish Registers of Worcester St Swithun, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
