A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Witherington family of England.
Reg. 5494 · English, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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, ar. and gu. a bend az.; another, Quarterly, ar. and az. a bend sa”
YorkYork, c. 1620
Where the Witherington Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Witherington arms are recorded
The Witherington arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Witherington 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 York.
Origin & History of the Witherington Family in England
The family name Witherington is a locative surname, which means it originated from a specific place name in England. Etymologically, the name is derived from Old English roots that suggest a settlement belonging to the followers or descendants of a person named Wither. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that members of the Witherington family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration, and families living there were often involved in the merchant guilds or local government. The presence of the family in this region indicates that they were likely part of the growing middle class that helped shape the social and economic life of Northern England during the early seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Withering
A meadow or pasture belonging to a person named Wither.
This name
WitheringtonDerived from a locative surname referring to a settlement or farmstead in a meadow.
also spelled
Wytherington
Widdrington
Witheringtonne
Related arms
Widdringtonvariant spelling
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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
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
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
