A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gascoigne family of England.
Reg. 2808 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cross symbolChristian faith and service
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 pale sa. a conger eel's head couped or, in the dexter canton a cross crosslet fitchée of the second”
Englandc. 1612
Where the Gascoigne Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gascoigne arms are recorded
The Gascoigne arms were recorded in England, c. 1612.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them 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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Gascoigne 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 Gascoigne Family in England
The surname Gascoigne originated as a descriptive name for people who arrived in England from the Gascony region of southwestern France. During the Middle Ages, many individuals traveled across the English Channel for trade, military service, or administrative roles, and they were often identified by their place of origin. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records from 1612 confirm that members of the Gascoigne family were active participants in the local community during this period. Over time, the name became firmly rooted in the social and economic life of Northern England, transitioning from a label for a foreign traveler to a permanent local surname.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wasconia
The Latin name for the region of Gascony in southwestern France.
This name
GascoigneAn inhabitant or person who originated from the Gascony region.
also spelled
Gascoyne
Gascoine
Gaskoin
Related arms
Gascoinevariant spelling
Gascoynevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cross symbolChristian faith and service
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
cross symbolChristian faith and service
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
