A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ferne family of England.
Reg. 5611 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Per bend or and gu. two lions' heads erased counterchanged”
LincolnTemple-Belwood · Lincoln, c. 1578
Where the Ferne Arms Were Recorded
Lincoln
Map of England showing where the Ferne arms are recorded
The Ferne arms were recorded in Lincoln, c. 1578.
Lincolnshire was rich farming country, and its wealth was spread across many middling families. Households of that size bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Ferne 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 Lincoln.
Origin & History of the Ferne Family in England
The surname Ferne is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, likely originating as a topographic name for people who lived near a patch of ferns or bracken. By the late sixteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Lincoln. Records confirm that members of the Ferne family were living in this historic cathedral city by 1578, where they participated in the local social and economic life of the region. During this period, Lincoln served as a major hub for trade and administration, which suggests that the family was well-integrated into the urban community. Over time, the name spread through various English counties, though its early association with the East Midlands remains a significant chapter in the family history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
fearn
Old English word for the fern plant.
This name
FerneA topographic name for someone who lived near a patch of ferns.
also spelled
Fearne
Pherne
Fyrne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Lincolnshire Archives, Lincoln Consistory Court Wills, 1578
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
