A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gossett family of England.
Reg. 9695 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Az. an annulet and three bean-pods (gousses) leaved and stalked, proceeding therefrom and ranged en pairle or, on a chief ar. an eagle displ. sa”
KentEltham House · Kent, c. 1620
Where the Gossett Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of England showing where the Gossett arms are recorded
The Gossett arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Gossett 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Gossett Family in England
The surname Gossett is believed to have originated as a diminutive form of the name Goss, which itself likely stems from the Old French word "gos," meaning a goose. This name was often used as a nickname for someone who possessed a personality trait associated with the bird, such as being talkative or perhaps a bit foolish. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Kent, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Gossett family were living in this region during a time of significant social and religious change. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of Kent, contributing to the agricultural and community life of the area before many descendants eventually moved to other parts of the world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gosse
A diminutive form of the Germanic name God or good.
This name
GossettA patronymic surname derived from a pet form of the name Jocelyn or Godfrey.
also spelled
Gozzet
Gozsett
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
Kent Archives, Archdeaconry Court of Canterbury Wills and Administrations, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
