A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hambro family of Britain.
Reg. 9372 · Britain, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur au chev., acc. en chef de trois annelets rangés et en p. d'un lion léopardé, le tout d'or; à la bord. aussi d'or, clouée du même. Sur le tout un écusson de gu., timbré d'une couronne à sept perles et ch. d'une croix d'arg. Deux cq., le 1 cour., le 2 sommé d'un brl. d'or et d'azur. C.: 1° un lion iss. de gu., tenant une hache d'arg.; 2° une aigle d'or, semée d'annelets de fer et tenant de sa serre sen. un croiss. d'azur. T.: à dextre un sauvage, tenant une massue posée sur le sol; à sen. une aigle d'or, le vol levé. D.: IN DEO.”
BritainLondres, c. 1851
Where the Hambro Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Hambro arms are recorded
The Hambro arms were recorded in Londres, c. 1851.
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.
Victoria
Sovereign of the period
Victoria
1837–1901
Reigning in Britain when the Hambro 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 Hambro Family in Britain
The surname Hambro is primarily associated with a prominent merchant banking family that established deep roots in England during the nineteenth century. While the name is often linked to the city of Hamburg, Germany, the family became a significant part of British financial history after settling in London and Kent. By the time of the 1851 census, members of the family were well-established in Kent, where they integrated into the local social and economic landscape. Their rise to prominence was fueled by their success in international trade and finance, which allowed them to transition from their continental origins into the upper echelons of Victorian society. This period marked a transition where the family name became synonymous with institutional banking and influence across the United Kingdom.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hamburgh
A fortified town or settlement near a river or harbor.
This name
HambroRefers to an individual who originated from the city of Hamburg in Germany.
also spelled
Hambroe
Hambrow
Hambroeck
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Chapman, Stanley, The Rise of Merchant Banking, 1984
Hambro, Charles Joachim, Fifty Years of a Business Life, 1920
The National Archives, 1851 England Census, HO 107
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
lionCourage, strength and royalty
