Coat of Arms & Family Crests Store
  Leeke Coat of Arms / Leeke Family CrestThe surname of LEEKE was a locational name 'of Leek' a parish in the diocese of Lichfield, also of Leake, parishes in York, Lincoln and Southwell. Local names usually denoted where a man held his land, and indicated where he actually lived. The origin of badges and emblems, are traced to the earliest times, although, Heraldry, in fact, cannot be traced later than the 12th century, or at furthest the 11th century. At first armorial bearings were probably like surnames and assumed by each warrior at his free will and pleasure, his object being to distinguish himself from others. It has long been a matter of doubt when bearing Coats of Arms first became hereditary. It is known that in the reign of Henry V (1413-1422), a proclamation was issued, prohibiting the use of heraldic ensigns to all who could not show an original and valid right, except those 'who had borne arms at Agincourt'. The College of Arms (founded in 1483) is the Royal corporation of heralds who record proved pedigrees and grant armorial bearings. Early records of the name mention John de Lek who was recorded in the County of Lincoln in the year 1273 and Edward Leak of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. During the Middle Ages, when people were unable to read or write, signs were needed for all visual identification. For several centuries city streets in Britain were filled with signs of all kinds, public houses, tradesmen and even private householders found them necessary. This was an age when there were no numbered houses, and an address was a descriptive phrase that made use of a convenient landmark. At this time, coats of arms came into being, for the practical reason that men went into battle heavily armed and were difficult to recognise. It became the custom for them to adorn their helmets with distinctive crests, and to paint their shields with animals and the like. Coats of arms accompanied the development of surnames, becoming hereditary in the same way. Later instances of the name mention Thomas Leeke of Northampton who registered at Oxford University in the year 1595. Baptised. John, son of Arthur Leake, at St. Peter, Cornhill, London in 1595. |
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