A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gregson family of England.
Reg. 9367 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. a saltire gu. a canton chequy or and az”
DurhamMurton · Durham, c. 1620
Where the Gregson Arms Were Recorded
Durham
Map of England showing where the Gregson arms are recorded
The Gregson arms were recorded in Durham, c. 1620.
Durham was governed by its bishop rather than the crown for most of its history, with its own courts and its own landed class. That separate world produced a tight group of families, nearly all of whom held 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 Gregson 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 Durham.
Origin & History of the Gregson Family in England
The surname Gregson is a classic example of a patronymic name, which means it was formed by adding the suffix "son" to the given name "Greg" or "Gregory." This naming practice was common in Northern England during the Middle Ages as families began to adopt permanent surnames to distinguish themselves in growing communities. By the year 1620, the Gregson family had established a notable presence in the County of Durham. During this period, the region was heavily influenced by the coal mining industry and the administrative power of the Prince Bishops. Families like the Gregsons often worked as skilled tradespeople or tenant farmers who helped shape the local economy of the North East. As the family grew, they became deeply rooted in the social fabric of Durham, contributing to the agricultural and industrial development that defined the area for centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gregorius
Derived from the Greek word meaning to be watchful or alert.
This name
GregsonA patronymic surname meaning son of Gregory.
also spelled
Gregeson
Greigson
Related arms
Dawtreyrecorded with Gregson, same area
Metcalferecorded with Gregson, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Durham County Record Office, Durham Diocesan Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
