A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Haffenden family of England.
Reg. 5475 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Chequy ar. and sa. on a bend az. three mullets or”
KentHomewood · Kent, c. 1620
Where the Haffenden Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of England showing where the Haffenden arms are recorded
The Haffenden 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 Haffenden 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 Haffenden Family in England
The Haffenden family name is deeply rooted in the landscape of Kent, England, where members of the family were well-established by the early seventeenth century. The name is topographical in origin, likely derived from an Old English term describing someone who lived near a specific valley or a sheltered piece of land. By 1620, the Haffendens were active participants in the local community, often appearing in parish registers and land records as yeoman farmers or minor landowners. This status allowed them to maintain a stable presence in the region for generations, as they managed agricultural estates and engaged in the social life of their local villages. Their history reflects the broader story of English families who built lasting legacies through steady work and deep connections to the soil of their home county.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hafene
Old English term for a harbor, haven, or sheltered landing place.
This name
HaffendenRefers to someone who lived near a sheltered harbor or a protected valley.
also spelled
Haffendon
Haffinden
Haffendin
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Everitt, Alan, The Community of Kent and the Great Rebellion 1640-1660, 1966
Hasted, Edward, The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent, 1797
Kent Archives, Canterbury Cathedral Archives: Parish Registers of Kent, series PRC/1-45
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
