A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dering family of England.
Reg. 5328 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. a fesse az. in chief three torteaux (in augmentation); 2nd and 3rd, or, a saltire sa”
KentSurrenden-Dering · Kent, c. 1620
Where the Dering Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of England showing where the Dering arms are recorded
The Dering arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Dering 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Dering Family in England
The Dering family has deep roots in the county of Kent, where they established a significant presence long before the seventeenth century. Historical records confirm that members of the family were well-settled in this region by 1620, often serving as prominent landowners and local leaders. The name itself is believed to be of Old English origin, likely derived from a descriptive term for a bold or daring person. Over many generations, the family became closely tied to the social and political life of Kent, frequently participating in regional administration and public service. Their long history in the area reflects the broader patterns of English landed families who maintained their influence through careful management of their estates and active involvement in their local communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Deering
Derived from the Old English word deor meaning wild animal or deer.
This name
DeringA habitational name for someone living near a deer park or a hunter.
also spelled
Dearing
Deryng
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hasted, Edward. The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent. 1797
Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury. Wills and Administrations. Kent Archives, PRC 17
Visitation of Kent. The Visitation of Kent, taken in the years 1619-1621. 1898
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
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
