A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Darker family of England.
Reg. 0700 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
grapesPlenty, and the labour of the vine
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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 three mounts vert, as many hop vines with their poles ppr”
EnglandLondon, c. 1768
Where the Darker Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Darker arms are recorded
The Darker arms were recorded in London, c. 1768.
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.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in England when the Darker 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 Darker Family in England
The surname Darker is an occupational name that likely emerged in England during the Middle Ages. It was traditionally used to describe someone who worked in a trade involving dark dyes or tanning, such as a dyer who produced deep-colored fabrics or leather. By the mid-eighteenth century, the family had firmly established a presence in London, a city that served as a major hub for commerce and skilled labor at the time. Records from 1768 confirm that members of the Darker family were active participants in the urban life of the capital, likely contributing to the city's growing industries. As London expanded during this period, families like the Darkers became part of the social fabric that supported the city's transition into a global center for trade and manufacturing.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
deorc
Old English word meaning dark or gloomy in color or character.
This name
DarkerAn occupational or descriptive name for someone with a swarthy complexion or dark hair.
also spelled
Darkar
Darkir
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
The National Archives, London Consistory Court Depositions, 1768
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
grapesPlenty, and the labour of the vine
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
grapesPlenty, and the labour of the vine
