A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Plunkett family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8419 · French, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
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 la bande d'arg., acc. au canton sen. du chef d'une tour sommée de trois tourelles du même. C.: un cheval pass. d'arg. S.: à dextre un Pégase coupé d'or sur arg.; à sen. une antelope d'arg., accornée et onglée d'or, coll. d'une couronne du même et enchaînée d'or. D.: FESTINA LENTE.”
Francec. 1403
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Map of France showing where the Plunkett arms are recorded
The Plunkett arms were recorded in France, c. 1403.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Charles VI of France
Sovereign of the period
Charles VI of France
1380–1422
Reigning in France when the Plunkett arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Plunkett Family in France
The history of the Plunkett name in France centers on the region of Brittany, where members of the family were documented as early as 1403. During this period, the family was integrated into the local social structure of the Duchy of Brittany. Historical evidence suggests that these individuals were part of a mobile group of people who moved between the British Isles and the French coast for trade and political service. By settling in Brittany, the Plunketts became involved in the regional affairs of the French nobility. Their presence in the area indicates that they were likely connected to the maritime networks that linked the ports of northern France with neighboring territories. This early residency established a foothold for the family in continental Europe long before they became more widely known in other parts of the world.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Plunkett (Beaulieu or Bewley, co. Louth; JOHN PLUNKETT d. there 3 August, 1082. His descendant, JOHN PLUNKETT, temp. Henry III., had two sons, I. JOHN, whose descendant, Sir OLIVER PLUNKETT, was created Baron of Louth, 1541; II. RICHARD, whose grandson, Sir CHRISTOPHER PLUNKETT, m. 1403, JOAN, dau. and heir of Sir LUCAS CUSACK, Lord of Killeen, co. Meath, and became in her right Lord of Killeen; from him descend the Earls of Fingal, the Lords Dunsany, PLUNKETT, of Rathmore, PLUNKETT, of Dunsoghley, &c. &c.). Sa. a bend ar. in sinister chief a tower triple-towered of the last.”
Irelandc. 1403
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Map of Ireland showing where the Plunkett arms are recorded
The Plunkett arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1403.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Henry IV of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry IV of England
1399–1413
Reigning in France when the Plunkett arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Plunkett Family in Ireland
The Plunkett family name arrived in Ireland during the late thirteenth century, likely originating from the region of Flanders. By the time the family established a firm presence in Dublin in 1403, they had already become deeply integrated into the political and social life of the Pale. This area was the part of Ireland under direct English control, and the Plunketts quickly rose to prominence as influential landowners and administrators. They held significant positions within the Irish Parliament and served as legal advisors to the government. Their ascent was marked by strategic marriages and the acquisition of large estates, which allowed them to act as a bridge between the local Irish nobility and the English administration. Over the following centuries, the family became known for their involvement in both religious and political affairs, often navigating the complex tensions between the crown and the local population.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Planchet
A small wooden plank or board used in construction.
This name
PlunkettDerived from a nickname for a person who worked with planks or lived near a wooden structure.
also spelled
Plunket
Plunkit
Plonket
Plonkett
Related arms
Plunketvariant spelling
Plonketvariant spelling
Plonkett, or Plonketvariant spelling
Hopkinsrecorded with Plunkett, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Jones, Michael, The Creation of Brittany: A Late Medieval State, 1988
Plunkett, George Noble, The Plunketts of Rathmore, 1901
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Fonds de la famille de Plunkett (série E)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
