A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Harington family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7267 · Britain, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“De sa. à une frette d'arg.”
Britainc. 1554
Where the Harington Arms Were Recorded
Kent
Map of Britain showing where the Harington arms are recorded
The Harington arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1554.
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.
Mary I
Sovereign of the period
Mary I
1553–1558
Reigning in Britain when the Harington 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 Harington Family in Britain
The Harington family name is deeply rooted in the landscape of medieval and early modern England, with its origins tied to the northern regions before spreading across the country. While the name is often associated with the village of Harrington in Cumberland, historical records confirm that members of the family established a significant presence in Kent by 1554. During this period, the family became influential figures in local administration and land management, often serving as loyal subjects to the crown. Their movement from the north to the south reflects the broader social shifts of the time, as families sought new opportunities in the prosperous counties near London. By settling in Kent, the Haringtons integrated themselves into the political and social fabric of the region, ensuring their name remained prominent in official documents and local history for generations to come.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“or, a chief az. over all a bend gu”
RutlandGlaston · Rutland, c. 1618
Where the Harington Arms Were Recorded
Rutland
Map of England showing where the Harington arms are recorded
The Harington arms were recorded in Rutland, c. 1618.
Rutland is the smallest English county, but its land was good and its manors were held by families of standing. A small county with good land still produces its share of recorded 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 Harington 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 Rutland.
Origin & History of the Harington Family in England
The Harington family name traces its roots to the northern regions of England, specifically taking its name from the coastal village of Harrington in Cumberland. During the medieval period, members of the family expanded their influence and landholdings, eventually establishing a significant presence in the county of Rutland. By the early seventeenth century, the family had become deeply integrated into the social and political fabric of that region. A prominent figure from this era was John Harington, the first Baron Harington of Exton, who held his title and estates in Rutland in 1618. The family gained further historical notice through their connections to the royal court, as they were entrusted with the education and care of Princess Elizabeth, the daughter of King James I. Through these roles, the Haringtons transitioned from local landowners into influential figures who helped shape the administrative and cultural life of England during the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Haring
A patronymic derived from the Old English personal name Here.
This name
HaringtonRefers to the settlement or estate belonging to the followers of Here.
also spelled
Harrington
Haryngton
Related arms
Collyrecorded with Harington, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Camden, William. Britannia. 1586
Hasted, Edward. The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent. 1797
The National Archives. State Papers Domestic, Edward VI and Mary I. SP 11
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
