A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cory family of England.
Reg. 3835 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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. a saltire sa. on a chief az. three cinquefoils or”
DevonCory · Devon, c. 1620
Where the Cory Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Cory arms are recorded
The Cory arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat 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 Cory 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Cory Family in England
The surname Cory has deep roots in the southwestern region of England, particularly within the county of Devon. Historical records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this area by the early 17th century. The name itself is thought to be topographical or locational in origin, likely derived from the Old Cornish or Gaelic word "cor," which refers to a hollow or a secluded valley. This suggests that the earliest ancestors to carry the name were people who lived in or near such a landscape feature. As the family grew, they became integrated into the local agricultural and social life of Devon, eventually spreading across the region as they pursued various trades and livelihoods. By the time of the early 1600s, the Cory name was already a recognized part of the local community, reflecting a long history of settlement in the English countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Coire
A Gaelic term referring to a cauldron or a hollowed-out valley.
This name
CoryDerived from a topographic feature indicating someone who lived near a hollow or ravine.
also spelled
Corey
Corrie
Related arms
Cercysame arms
Coreyvariant spelling
Corrievariant spelling
Cobbrecorded with Cory, 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, 1991
Devon Archives, Parish Register Collection for Devon, 1620
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cinquefoilHope and joy
