A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Grandison family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5060 · Britain, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Palé d'arg. et de sin.; à la bande de gu., br. sur le tout et ch. de trois aigles d'or, posées dans le sens de la bande [Comp. Grandson.]”
Britainc. 1700
Where the Grandison Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Grandison arms are recorded
The Grandison arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Grandison arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Grandison Family in Britain
The surname Grandison traces its roots to the migration of families from the continent into the British Isles during the medieval period. While the name is often associated with noble origins in the region of Grandson near Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland, members of the family established a firm presence in England by the thirteenth century. By the time the name appeared in Kentish records around 1700, the family had already integrated into the local social fabric of southern England. These early settlers were often involved in the management of land and local administration, which helped them transition from newcomers to established members of their communities. Over several generations, the family name became a permanent fixture in the rural and village life of Kent, reflecting the broader patterns of movement and settlement that defined British history during that era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Paly of six ar. and vert on a bend gu. three eagles displ. or”
Englandc. 1299
Where the Grandison Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Grandison arms are recorded
The Grandison arms were recorded in England, c. 1299.
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.
Edward I of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward I of England
1272–1307
Reigning in Britain when the Grandison 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 Grandison Family in England
The Grandison family name carries a history that stretches back to the late thirteenth century in England. While the name has roots in the region of Grandson in modern-day Switzerland, the family became firmly established in English society through their service to the crown. By 1299, records confirm that members of the family were active in York, which was a vital administrative and military center during the wars with Scotland. During this period, the family rose in status by acting as trusted advisors and diplomats for King Edward I. Their influence grew as they moved between the royal court and their landholdings, helping to shape the political landscape of medieval England. Over time, the family became deeply integrated into the English nobility, leaving a lasting mark on the history of the fourteenth century through their involvement in government and high-level state affairs.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Grand
Derived from the Old French word meaning large or great.
This name
GrandisonA locational surname referring to someone from the town of Grandson in Switzerland.
also spelled
Grandisson
Grandissone
Grandyson
Grandysone
Related arms
Grannsonsame arms
Gransonsame arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
The National Archives, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury
Kent History and Library Centre, Parish registers of the Diocese of Canterbury
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
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
