Story of the Lawton Coat of Arms
 Works on genealogy and heraldry contain various though similar descriptions
of authenticated Lawton arms, Ormerod's famed history presenting the fullest,
accompanied by a good-sized engraving. A copy of the latter in smaller
size will accompany this writing. Ormerod's reference to the family arms
is as follows:
"Arms - Argent, a fesse Sable between three cross crosslets
of the second, on the fesse a cinquefoil Argent. [The original coat, however,
was Or, a chevron between two cross crosslets in chief, Gules, and a dolphin
in the base, Azure, being a combination of the coats of the early Lautons
and the Davenports. The mantle of the present coat, given in the annexed
engraving, is copied from the Arms of the family, carved on a snuff box
formerly of Car. II.]
Crest - On the wreath a demi-wolf rampant Argent, licking a
wound in the right shoulder, Gules.
[Arms - Or, a chevron between three dolphins, Gules, for Lauton
ancient.]"
Interpretations: Or, gold or yellow, represented by dots if in
black. Argent, white representing silver. Gules, red, represented by perpendicular
lines. Sable represented by vertical and horizontal lines. Silver shield
means clear conscience. Sable fesse, sash of commander. Cinquefoil on sash
also means commander. Black cross crosslets with point at base means pilgrimage
and applies. Dolphin means strength and swiftness; king of fishes; seeks
its enemies furiously. Wolf, fierceness and a brave strategist. Rampant,
standing upright on hind legs as if attacking a person. Chevron represents
a rooftree and means protects country from its enemies. Mantle, "that
appearance of folded cloth drawn about a coat of arms," - Webster.
Man on whom arms conferred by sovereign said to have paid some $3,000,
although supposed to be free.
From "Visitation of Cheshire," 1580, Harleian Society publications,
another version:
"Arms - Argent, on a fesse between three cross-crosslets
fitche Sable, a cinquefoil of the first, pierced of the second.
Crest - A demi-wolf salient, regardant Argent, vulned in the
back Gules, and licking the wound.
These Arms and Crest were granted by Robert Cook, Clarencieux by l'res
patentes. Dated 14 R. Elizabeth (1572)."
Clarencieux - (klar-en-shu) - In Great Britain, the second king at arms,
so called from the Duke of Clarence, and appointed by Edward IV. His office
is to marshal and dispose the funerals of all baronets, knights, and esquires,
on the south of the river Trent. -- Old Webster
Still another description of the Lawton coat-of-arms is given in Burke's
General Armory, 1884:
Arms - "Argent, on a fesse between three crosses crosslet
fitche sable, as many cinquefoils of the field."
Crest - "A demi wolf salient regardant argent, vulned in
the breast gules."
Excerpted from the Realm of Lawton Website.
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Lawton Family 