Map of England showing where the Robson arms are recorded
The Robson arms were recorded in Durham, c. 1620.
Durham was governed by its bishop rather than the crown for most of its history, with its own courts and its own landed class. That separate world produced a tight group of families, nearly all of whom held 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 Robson 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 Durham.
Origin & History of the Robson Family in England
The surname Robson is a patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of a man named Robert. This naming tradition became common in Northern England during the Middle Ages as populations grew and people needed more specific ways to distinguish themselves from their neighbors. By the early 17th century, the Robson family had established a strong presence in the County of Durham. Life in this region during the 1600s was often centered around agriculture and the burgeoning coal mining industry. Families like the Robsons were typically deeply rooted in their local parishes, where their names were recorded in baptismal and burial registers. These early generations helped shape the social and economic landscape of the North East, living through a period of significant transition in English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Robert
Derived from Germanic elements meaning bright fame or shining glory.
This name
RobsonA patronymic surname meaning son of Robert.
also spelled
Robsun
Robsonne
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
Durham County Record Office, Parish Registers of the Diocese of Durham, 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
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
