A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Corden family of England.
Reg. 1484 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 saltire botonnée betw. four demi dragons couped and erect sa. five bezants”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Corden Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Corden arms are recorded
The Corden 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 Corden 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 Corden Family in England
The surname Corden has deep roots in the historic city of York, where records confirm family members were established as early as 1620. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religious life, and families like the Cordens were often integrated into the local economy as skilled craftspeople or merchants. The name itself likely evolved from older occupational or locational terms, reflecting the way people identified themselves in a growing urban society. As the family became part of the fabric of York, they participated in the daily life of the city, contributing to its development during a time of significant social change in England. By tracing their presence back to the early seventeenth century, we see a family that helped shape the local community through their work and their long-standing ties to the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cord
A rope or cord used for binding or measuring.
This name
CordenAn occupational name for a maker of ropes or cords.
also spelled
Cordin
Cordon
Cordein
Courdine
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Baines, Edward, History, Directory and Gazetteer of the County of York, 1822
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, Series Y/PR
Palliser, D. M., Tudor York, 1979
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
