Map of England showing where the Parkinson arms are recorded
The Parkinson arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1613.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in the records.
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 Parkinson 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 Lancaster.
Origin & History of the Parkinson Family in England
The surname Parkinson is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of someone named Perkin. Perkin was a common medieval nickname for Peter, and the suffix "son" simply identified the individual as the child of that man. By the early 17th century, the family had established a firm presence in the county of Lancashire, particularly around the town of Lancaster. Records from 1613 confirm that members of the Parkinson family were active in this region during the reign of King James I. At that time, many families in Northern England were deeply connected to the local agricultural economy or the growing trade industries of the area. Over several generations, the name became permanently fixed as a hereditary surname, marking the lineage of these early residents as they contributed to the social and economic development of the Lancashire landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Peter
Derived from the Greek word petros meaning a stone or rock.
This name
ParkinsonA patronymic surname meaning son of little Peter or son of Perkin.
also spelled
Parkynson
Related arms
Fetherstonsimilar arms
Perkinsonsimilar arms
Colbyrecorded with Parkinson, same area
Collinsrecorded with Parkinson, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Lancashire Archives, Lancaster Parish Church Registers, PR 3052
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
feathersWilling obedience and serenity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
feathersWilling obedience and serenity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
