A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hancocks family of England.
Reg. 2688 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Per chev. az. and gu. in chief betw. two cocks respecting each other in base, a lion ramp. or”
WorcesterWolverley Court · Worcester, c. 1620
Where the Hancocks Arms Were Recorded
Worcester
Map of England showing where the Hancocks arms are recorded
The Hancocks arms were recorded in Worcester, c. 1620.
Worcestershire was orchard and farming country with a scattering of old manors. Its gentry were middling rather than great, but a manor was a manor, and holding one was what brought 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 Hancocks 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 Worcester.
Origin & History of the Hancocks Family in England
The surname Hancocks is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of someone named Han or Hanc. This name was a common medieval nickname for John. By the early 17th century, the Hancocks family had established a notable presence in the city of Worcester. Records confirm that members of the family were living there by 1620, a time when the city was a bustling center for trade and cloth manufacturing. During this period, families often lived in the same area for generations, and the Hancocks name became deeply connected to the local community. They were likely involved in the typical trades of the region, such as weaving or leather working, which were essential to the economy of Worcester at that time. As the family grew, they helped shape the social and professional landscape of the city throughout the following centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Johannes
Hebrew origin meaning God is gracious.
This name
HancocksA patronymic surname derived from a diminutive form of John meaning son of little John.
also spelled
Hancoke
Hancocke
Related arms
Hancockevariant spelling
Hancokevariant spelling
Attwoodrecorded with Hancocks, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, Worcester City Parish 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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
lionCourage, strength and royalty
