A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Done family of England.
Reg. 3466 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
arrowReadiness for battle, and affliction endured
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. two bars ar. over all on a bend gu. three arrows of the second”
ChesterUtkinton · Chester, c. 1601
Where the Done Arms Were Recorded
Chester
Map of England showing where the Done arms are recorded
The Done arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1601.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families carried 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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Done 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Done Family in England
The surname Done is deeply rooted in the history of Cheshire, England, where the family established a strong presence by the early 17th century. Records confirm that members of the Done family were well-settled in the city of Chester by 1601, often serving as prominent citizens and local officials. The name itself is thought to be a variation of the Old English word "dun," which described a person who lived near a hill or possessed a dark complexion. During this era, the family became closely linked to the governance and social life of Chester, participating in the city's vibrant trade and civic administration. By anchoring themselves in such a significant regional hub, the early Done family helped shape the local community and left a lasting mark on the historical landscape of Northwest England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Donn
Old Gaelic term meaning dark or brown-colored.
This name
DoneA descriptive nickname for someone with a dark complexion or dark hair.
also spelled
Doane
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ormerod, George. The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester. 1819
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies. Chester City Assembly Books, 1601
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
arrowReadiness for battle, and affliction endured
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
arrowReadiness for battle, and affliction endured
