A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gamage family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8906 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fusilTravail and industry
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. five fusils in bend gu. on a chief az. three escallops or”
HertfordCoyte · Hertford, c. 1620
Where the Gamage Arms Were Recorded
Hertford
Map of England showing where the Gamage arms are recorded
The Gamage arms were recorded in Hertford, c. 1620.
Hertfordshire lay just north of London and filled with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate within a day's ride was the usual next step, and an estate brought arms with it.
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 Gamage 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 Hertford.
Origin & History of the Gamage Family in England
The surname Gamage has deep roots in English history, with the family establishing a notable presence in the county of Hertfordshire by the early 17th century. While the name likely originated from a descriptive nickname or a place name in medieval times, by 1620, members of the Gamage family were well-integrated into the local community of Hertford. During this period, the family lived through a time of significant social and economic change in England, often appearing in parish registers and local administrative documents that tracked births, marriages, and property ownership. These early records suggest that the Gamage family were established residents who participated in the daily life of the region, contributing to the local workforce and the development of the town. Their presence in Hertfordshire during the reign of King James I highlights how families of that era maintained their local influence and community ties through generations of steady, documented life.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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. a bend lozengy gu. on a chief az. three escallops of the field”
Walesc. 1647
Where the Gamage Arms Were Recorded
Denbigh
Map of Wales showing where the Gamage arms are recorded
The Gamage arms were recorded in Wales, c. 1647.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Denbigh.
Denbighshire was north Welsh country of hills and small estates. Land was held by a great many families rather than a few, and each holding brought its own claim to a coat 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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Gamage arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Wales.
Origin & History of the Gamage Family in Wales
The history of the Gamage family in Wales is deeply connected to the social and political landscape of the seventeenth century. While the name has roots that stretch back to the medieval period in England, the family established a notable presence in Denbigh by 1647. During this time, the region was recovering from the turmoil of the English Civil War, which had significantly impacted local land ownership and community leadership. Families like the Gamages often held positions of local influence, serving as landowners or minor officials who helped maintain order in the Welsh borderlands. Their transition into Denbigh reflects the broader movement of families seeking stability and new opportunities in the wake of national conflict. By settling in this area, the Gamage family became part of the long-standing tradition of Welsh gentry who shaped the local history and administration of their communities for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gamache
Old French term for a person who wears a specific type of cap.
This name
GamageAn occupational surname for a maker or wearer of a distinctive head covering.
also spelled
Gamadge
Gamach
Gamache
Related arms
Gamach, or Gamagesimilar arms
Gamadgevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Cussans, John Edwin. History of Hertfordshire. 1870
Page, William. A History of the County of Hertford. 1908
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fusilTravail and industry
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
fusilTravail and industry
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lozengeHonour and nobility, and the arms of a woman
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
