Map of England showing where the Shelton arms are recorded
The Shelton arms were recorded in England, c. 1619.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 Shelton 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 England.
Origin & History of the Shelton Family in England
The name Shelton is a locational surname, meaning it originated from people who lived in a specific place known as a "shelf town" or a settlement situated on a ledge or a bank. In England, the name appears in various regions as families moved to find work or land, eventually establishing roots in northern cities like York by the early 17th century. By 1619, records confirm that members of the Shelton family were active participants in the social and economic life of York. During this era, families often moved between rural villages and growing urban centers to pursue trade or professional opportunities. This migration pattern helped the name spread across the English landscape, turning a local identifier into a recognized family name that persisted through generations of city dwellers and landowners alike.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Az. a cross or, in the dexter chief an escallop ar”
DublinDublin, c. 1537
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Map of Ireland showing where the Shelton arms are recorded
The Shelton arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1537.
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 VIII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VIII of England
1509–1547
Reigning in England when the Shelton 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Shelton Family in Ireland
The Shelton family name has deep roots in the administrative and social landscape of early modern Ireland. Records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1537, a time when the city served as the primary center of English governance in the country. During this period, the Sheltons were often involved in the civic and professional life of the capital, frequently appearing in legal documents and property records as the city expanded. Their presence in Dublin suggests that they were part of the growing class of officials and merchants who helped manage the city’s transition during the sixteenth century. By settling in the heart of the Pale, the family became integrated into the urban fabric of Dublin, where they contributed to the local economy and the shifting political climate of the Tudor era.
Shelton Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
scelf and tun
Old English for ledge or shelf and an enclosure or settlement.
This name
SheltonRefers to a person who lived at a farmstead situated on a ledge or shelf of land.
also spelled
Shelten
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1619
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
cross symbolChristian faith and service
