A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Craggs family of England.
Reg. 5355 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ermineDignity and rank
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Counter-ermine (Ermines)Means: Dignity
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)
“Sa. on a fesse ar. betw. three mullets erm. as many crosses crosslet ermines”
DurhamWestminster · Durham, c. 1620
Where the Craggs Arms Were Recorded
Durham
Map of England showing where the Craggs arms are recorded
The Craggs arms were recorded in Durham, c. 1620.
Durham was governed by its bishop rather than the crown for most of its history, with its own courts and its own landed class. That separate world produced a tight group of families, nearly all of whom held 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 Craggs 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 Durham.
Origin & History of the Craggs Family in England
The surname Craggs is a topographical name, meaning it was originally used to identify people who lived near a prominent crag or rocky outcrop. The name is deeply rooted in the rugged landscape of Northern England, where the terrain often dictated how families were identified by their neighbors. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that the Craggs family was well-established in County Durham. During this period, the family was likely involved in the local agricultural or mining communities that defined the region. As the name spread from these rocky northern hills, it became a permanent fixture in the local parish registers, marking the family as long-standing members of the Durham community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Crag
A steep or rugged cliff or rock face.
This name
CraggsRefers to someone who lived near a prominent crag or rocky outcrop.
also spelled
Cragges
Craggis
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Durham County Record Office, Parish Register Transcripts for County Durham, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ermineDignity and rank
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ermineDignity and rank
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
