A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Whitmore family of England.
Reg. 3011 · English, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
lionCourage, strength and royalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Quarterly, 1st, vert fretty or, for Whitmore; 2nd, ar. a chief az., for Haselwall; 3rd, or, a lion ramp. gu. betw. three martlets of the second; 4th, per fess vert and gu. an eagle displ. or”
ChesterThurstanston · Chester, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Whitmore arms are recorded
The Whitmore arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families 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 Whitmore 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Whitmore Family in England
The surname Whitmore is a locational name that originated in England. It is derived from the Old English words "hwit," meaning white, and "mor," meaning a moor or marshland. This suggests that the earliest people to carry the name lived near a prominent area of light-colored or white-soiled wetlands. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Chester. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Whitmore family were active participants in the civic and social life of this historic walled city. Over time, the family name spread from these regional roots to other parts of Britain and eventually across the globe as people migrated for new opportunities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
hwit and mor
Old English words for white and a moor or marshland.
This name
WhitmoreRefers to someone who lived near a white or light-colored moor or marsh.
also spelled
Whitemore
Whytmore
Related arms
Wolrycherecorded with Whitmore, 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
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Chester City Council Records, 1620
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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
lionCourage, strength and royalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
lionCourage, strength and royalty
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
