A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gosling family of England.
Reg. 5953 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ermineDignity and rank
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Vert on a chev. ar. betw. three crescents or, each charged with an erm. spot sa. a lion ramp. gu. betw. two crosses formée fitchée az”
EssexHassobury · Essex, c. 1620
Where the Gosling Arms Were Recorded
Essex
Map of England showing where the Gosling arms are recorded
The Gosling arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1620.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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 Gosling 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Gosling Family in England
The surname Gosling is an ancient English name that originated as a nickname during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English word gos, meaning goose, and was likely used to describe someone who had the characteristics of a goose or perhaps someone who worked as a tender of geese. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a firm presence in the county of Essex. Records from 1620 show members of the Gosling family living in this region, where they were often involved in local agriculture and trade. During this period, families like the Goslings were typically settled in rural parishes, playing a steady role in the development of their local communities through farming and craftsmanship. Over time, the name spread from these early roots in Essex to other parts of England, reflecting the movement and growth of families across the English countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gōs
Old English word for a goose.
This name
GoslingA nickname for someone thought to resemble a goose or a keeper of geese.
also spelled
Goslin
Goslyn
Gozling
Related arms
Gooselingvariant 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 British Surnames, 1958
Essex Record Office, Parish Registers of Essex, 1620
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ermineDignity and rank
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
ermineDignity and rank
cross symbolChristian faith and service
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
