Map of England showing where the Spurling arms are recorded
The Spurling arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1620.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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 Spurling 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Spurling Family in England
The family name Spurling has deep roots in the English county of Essex, where records confirm members of the family were well-established by the year 1620. The name is generally considered to be a topographic or occupational surname, likely originating from Middle English terms that described a person who lived near a specific landmark or performed a particular task. During the early seventeenth century, the Spurlings were part of the rural landscape of East Anglia, a region known for its strong agricultural traditions and growing trade networks. As families in this area often stayed in the same parishes for generations, the Spurlings became a recognized part of the local community structure. Their presence in Essex during this era suggests they were likely involved in the farming or merchant life that defined the local economy before many families began to migrate toward larger urban centers or across the Atlantic.
Spurling Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
spur
A sharp metal tool used to urge a horse forward.
This name
SpurlingAn occupational name for a maker or seller of spurs.
also spelled
Spurlin
Spurlyn
Related arms
Sperlingsimilar arms
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Essex Record Office, Parish Registers of Essex, 1600–1650
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
