The body that granted and recorded arms in Guernsey in this period.
James II of England
Sovereign of the period
James II of England
1685–1688
Reigning in Guernsey when the De la Court arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Guernsey
Arms in the Channel Islands were granted and recorded by the College of Arms in London, under the same law of arms as England. They could be used by all legitimate descendants of the original owner: the eldest son kept the original design, and other family members used the same shield without registering a version of their own.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms for Guernsey and the other Channel Islands 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 Guernsey.
Origin & History of the De la Court Family in Guernsey
The surname De la Court is a locative name, which means it originally described a person who lived near a specific courtyard or a manor house. While the name has roots in mainland France, members of the family established a significant presence in the Channel Islands by the late 17th century. Records confirm that the family was well-settled in Guernsey by 1688, where they integrated into the local community as merchants and landowners. Life in Guernsey during this period was shaped by the island's unique position between England and France, and families like the De la Courts often played active roles in the local parish administration and maritime trade. Their presence on the island reflects the broader movement of families across the English Channel during a time of shifting political and religious landscapes in Europe.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Curtis
Derived from the Latin word cohors meaning an enclosed yard or court.
This name
De la CourtRefers to someone who lived near or worked within a manor house or courtyard.
also spelled
Delacorte
Delacort
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
L'Amy, J. H., Jersey Folklore, 1927
Tupper, F. B., The History of Guernsey and its Bailiwick, 1876
Guernsey Archives, Guernsey Parish Registers (Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials)
Priaulx Library, Family History Files: De la Court
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
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
heartSincerity, charity and true affection
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
