A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Draper family of England.
Reg. 3797 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 a fess betw. three annulets gu. a mullet of the field betw. two covered cups or. Another coat quartered by the same in the second quarter, ar. on two chevrons betw. three escallops sa. six martlets or, quartering also AUCHER and ERSWICK”
EnglandLondon, c. 1567
Where the Draper Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Draper arms are recorded
The Draper arms were recorded in London, c. 1567.
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 Draper 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 Draper Family in England
The surname Draper originated as an occupational name during the Middle Ages, identifying individuals who worked in the textile trade. In the centuries before mass production, a draper was a skilled merchant who bought and sold cloth, serving as a vital link between the weavers who created the fabric and the customers who needed it for clothing. By the time records place the family in London in 1567, the name was already well-established across England. Many families bearing this name rose to prominence through the powerful livery companies of London, which were organizations that regulated trade and maintained high standards for craftsmanship. These early Drapers were often influential figures in city life, contributing to the growth of London as a major center for international commerce. Because the name was tied to a specific profession rather than a single geographic location, it spread naturally as merchants traveled to different markets to conduct their business.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
drap
Derived from the Old French word for cloth or fabric.
This name
DraperAn occupational surname for a maker or seller of woolen cloth.
also spelled
Drapar
Related arms
Kylom, alias Drapersame arms
Brokesbyrecorded with Draper, same area
Dominickrecorded with Draper, same area
Goulstonrecorded with Draper, same area
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
London Metropolitan Archives, Records of the Worshipful Company of Drapers, 1567
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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
