A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gisborne family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6470 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Erminois a lion ramp. sa. collared ar. on a canton vert a garb or”
StaffordYoxhall Lodge · Stafford, c. 1644
Where the Gisborne Arms Were Recorded
Stafford
Map of England showing where the Gisborne arms are recorded
The Gisborne arms were recorded in Stafford, c. 1644.
Staffordshire was mixed country of moorland, farmland and early ironworking. Its landed families were spread widely rather than concentrated, and each holding brought its own claim to 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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Gisborne 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 Stafford.
Origin & History of the Gisborne Family in England
The Gisborne family name finds its historical roots deeply embedded in the English Midlands, with significant evidence placing the family in the town of Stafford by the year 1644. During this period, the name was closely associated with the social and political life of Staffordshire, a region defined by its industrial growth and agricultural importance. As the family established itself in this area, they became part of the local gentry and professional classes, often serving in roles that influenced the development of their community. By settling in Stafford during the mid-seventeenth century, the family positioned themselves within a landscape of shifting loyalties and economic change. Over the following generations, the name became synonymous with the regional history of the Midlands as members of the family expanded their influence through trade, public service, and local governance.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Or, on a fesse sa. betw. three hunting horns stringed gu. a greyhound courant ar”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Gisborne Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Gisborne arms are recorded
The Gisborne arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Gisborne arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Gisborne Family in Ireland
The Gisborne family name first appeared in the historical records of Ireland during the mid-seventeenth century, specifically within the bustling city of Dublin by 1645. While the name likely originated from English roots, the family quickly integrated into the administrative and social life of the Irish capital during a period of intense political change. Early members of the family were often associated with the professional classes, including medicine and the clergy, which allowed them to establish a stable presence in the city. As they settled into their new environment, they became part of the growing network of families that influenced the development of Dublin’s urban society. Their transition from newcomers to established residents reflects the broader movement of people across the Irish Sea during the seventeenth century. By embedding themselves in the local community, the Gisborne family helped shape the professional landscape of Dublin for future generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gis-beorn
Derived from the Old English elements for hostage and warrior.
This name
GisborneA locational surname referring to a person from the town of Gisburn in Lancashire.
also spelled
Gisbome
Gisburne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Staffordshire Record Office, Quarter Sessions Rolls, 1644
Shaw, Stebbing, The History and Antiquities of Staffordshire, 1798
White, William, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Staffordshire, 1851
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
hunting horn stringedOne who delights in the chase
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
