Map of England showing where the Crackenthorpe arms are recorded
The Crackenthorpe arms were recorded in Cumberland, c. 1620.
Cumberland was rough border country in the north-west, facing Scotland across a disputed line. Its families held land in return for keeping it defended, and men who fought carried shields of their own.
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 Crackenthorpe 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 Cumberland.
Origin & History of the Crackenthorpe Family in England
The surname Crackenthorpe originates from a specific place name in the historic county of Cumberland, located in the north of England. The name is derived from Old Norse and Old English roots, likely describing a settlement or a field located near a rocky or jagged stream. By the early 17th century, the family was well-established in this rugged region, with records confirming their presence in Cumberland by 1620. During this period, families often took their surnames from the lands they occupied or the villages where they lived. The Crackenthorpes were part of the local landed gentry, playing an active role in the social and administrative life of the northern borderlands. Their history is deeply tied to the landscape of the Lake District, where the family name served as a marker of their geographic origins and their long-standing connection to the northern countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cracantorp
Old Norse and Old English elements meaning crow farm or village.
This name
CrackenthorpeDerived from a place name in Cumbria referring to a settlement associated with crows.
also spelled
Crakenthorp
Crakenthorpe
Crackenthorpe
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Nicolson, Joseph and Burn, Richard, The History and Antiquities of the Counties of Westmorland and Cumberland, 1777
Cumberland Archives, Records of the Crackenthorpe Family of Newbiggin Hall, Series D/CRK
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
