Map of England showing where the Gransden arms are recorded
The Gransden arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1369.
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.
Edward III of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward III of England
1327–1377
Reigning in England when the Gransden 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 Gransden Family in England
The surname Gransden is a locative name, meaning it was originally taken from a specific place to identify the people who lived there. Historical records confirm that the family was established in the county of Kent by 1369, likely originating from the village of Gransden in Huntingdonshire before migrating south. During the medieval period, families often adopted the name of their home village as a way to distinguish themselves when they moved to new regions. As these early members settled in Kent, they became part of the local social fabric, likely working as farmers or tradespeople within the manorial system. Over time, the spelling of the name became fixed, serving as a lasting link to the family's geographical roots in the English countryside.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gransden
Derived from the Old English words for green and a valley.
This name
GransdenRefers to a person who lived in or originated from a green valley.
also spelled
Gransoun
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
The National Archives, Court of Common Pleas: Plea Rolls, CP 40/434
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
