Map of England showing where the Darche arms are recorded
The Darche arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1620.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Darche 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Darche Family in England
The surname Darche is rooted in the linguistic traditions of Northern France, where it likely functioned as a topographic name for someone who lived near an arch or a vaulted structure. By the early 17th century, members of the family had crossed the English Channel and established a presence in the city of Lincoln by 1620. During this period, Lincoln was a bustling regional hub, and families like the Darches often integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes to support the city’s economy. The transition from a continental origin to an English setting suggests that these early settlers were part of a broader movement of families seeking new opportunities in trade and craftsmanship. Over time, the family name became a permanent fixture in the local records of Lincolnshire, reflecting the steady integration of immigrant families into the social fabric of early modern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
d'Arques
Derived from the French town of Arques in Normandy.
This name
DarcheA locational surname denoting someone who originated from the town of Arques.
also spelled
Darcy
Darcye
Darsy
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
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln City Council Records: Quarter Sessions and Mayor’s Court rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
orlePreservation, and protection in battle
cinquefoilHope and joy
orlePreservation, and protection in battle
cinquefoilHope and joy
