A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hamerton family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6927 · Britain, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à trois marteaux de sa. C.: un lévrier couché, au nat. D.: FIXUS ADVERSA SPERNO.”
YorkshireYorkshire, c. 1700
Where the Hamerton Arms Were Recorded
Yorkshire
Map of Britain showing where the Hamerton arms are recorded
The Hamerton arms were recorded in Yorkshire, c. 1700.
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.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Hamerton 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 Yorkshire.
Origin & History of the Hamerton Family in Britain
The surname Hamerton is a locative name, meaning it originated from a specific place in England. It is derived from the Old English words for a homestead or village, specifically referring to the settlement of Hamerton in the West Riding of Yorkshire. By the year 1700, the family had established deep roots in this northern region, where the landscape and local economy shaped their daily lives. The name reflects the common medieval practice of identifying individuals by the land they occupied or the village where they resided. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Yorkshire, contributing to the agricultural and local history of the area over many generations. This connection to the land remains the most significant aspect of their early identity in Britain.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
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 chev. betw. three hammers sa”
StaffordStafford, c. 1620
Where the Hamerton Arms Were Recorded
Stafford
Map of England showing where the Hamerton arms are recorded
The Hamerton arms were recorded in Stafford, c. 1620.
Staffordshire was mixed country of moorland, farmland and early ironworking. Its landed families were spread widely rather than concentrated, and each holding brought its own claim to 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 Britain when the Hamerton 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 Stafford.
Origin & History of the Hamerton Family in England
The history of the Hamerton name in England is deeply rooted in the landscape of the northern and central counties. While the family established a notable presence in Stafford by 1620, the name itself likely originated as a locative surname, meaning it was taken from a specific place or village. In medieval England, people often adopted the name of their home town to distinguish themselves from others in a growing population. The name suggests an origin involving a "ham," which is an old term for a homestead or village, and a "tun," which refers to an enclosed settlement. By the early seventeenth century, families bearing this name were integrated into the local administration and social life of towns like Stafford. These early members were often involved in the trade and civic duties that defined life in English market towns during the Stuart period. Their transition from rural roots to established town life reflects the broader movement of families seeking stability and opportunity in the developing urban centers of England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hamerton
Derived from the Old English words for homestead and enclosure.
This name
HamertonRefers to a settlement or farmstead located within an enclosed area or village.
also spelled
Hammerton
Hamarton
Hamertoun
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Ekwall, Eilert. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-names. 1960
Reaney, Percy H. A Dictionary of British Surnames. 1958
The National Archives, Yorkshire Parish Registers and Probate Records
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
hammerHonest labour, and the smith's craft
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
