A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Grosby family of England.
Reg. 0265 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
maunchThe lady's sleeve, worn as a favour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. a maunch sa. (another, gu.)”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Grosby Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Grosby arms are recorded
The Grosby arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Grosby 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 Grosby Family in England
The family name Grosby is rooted in the historic landscape of Northern England, with documented evidence placing early members in the city of York by 1620. During the early seventeenth century, York served as a vital regional hub where families often established themselves through trade, craftsmanship, or local administration. The name itself likely evolved from a geographical description, as many surnames from this region were derived from Old Norse or Old English terms describing a specific settlement or "by." Living in a city as significant as York suggests that the early Grosbys were part of a stable urban community during a time of great social change in England. As these families settled into the city, they became part of the local parish records and civic life that defined the era. By establishing their roots in such a prominent historical center, the early Grosbys contributed to the enduring social fabric of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gros-by
Old Norse elements meaning large or fat and a farmstead or village.
This name
GrosbyRefers to a person who lived at or near a large farmstead or settlement.
also spelled
Grosbie
Grosbey
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Baines, Edward. History, Directory and Gazetteer of the County of York. 1822
Collins, Francis. Register of the Freemen of the City of York from the City Records. 1897
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
maunchThe lady's sleeve, worn as a favour
maunchThe lady's sleeve, worn as a favour
