The following is an exact copy of the grant of arms to “James Clepole,” 1583, sent to the Pennsylvania Historical Society by J. Rutgers Le Roy: (Heralds’ College, K.I. p. 219)

“THE GRANT OF ARMS TO CLEYPOLE- - To all and Singular, as well Nobles & Gentlemen as others to whom these presents shall come. Robert Cook, Esqr ats Clarencieulx principal Herald and King of Arms of the East, South, and West parts of this realm of England from the River Trent Southwards sendeth Greeting.

“Whereas anciently form the beginning the valiant * virtuous Acts of worthy persons have been commended to the World with sundry Monuments and Remembrances of their good deserts, amongst the which the chiefest and most usual hath been the bearing of Signs in Shields called Arms, which are evident demonstrations of Prowess and valor diversyle distributed according to the qualities and deserts of the persons meriting the same, to the entent yt such as by their good life and conversation in daily practice of things worthy and commendable, being the right and perfect tokens of a Noble disposition, may therefore receive due Honor in their lives, and also derive the same successively to their posteritie after them, and being credibly informed not only by common renown but also by report of divers Gentlemen worthy of Credit that James Clepole of Norborow in the County of Northampton gent hath long continued in the Virtue and in all his affairs hath so virtuously behaved himself that he hath well deserved and is worthy to be from henceforth admitted accepted and received into the number of other ancient Gentlemen.

“For remembrance where of I the said Clarencieulx King of Arms have by power and Aurhorite to my office annexed & granted & assigned unto and for the said JAMES CLEPOLE the Arms and Crest hereafter following:

That is to say the fylde gold, a Cheveron Azure between three Roundies, or otherwise in blazon Horts, and to his Crest upon the helme on a Wreath gold and Azure, out of a Crowne, A Flower de luce Silver; Mantled gules doubled Silver; as more plainly appeareth depicted in this margent.

“To have and to hold the said Armes and Crest to the said JAMES CLEPOLE, Gentleman and to his posteritie, with due differences and they the same to use and enjoy forever without impediment lett or interruption of any person, or persons according to the ancient Law of Arms. In witness whereof I the said Clarencieulx King of Armes have sett hereunto my hand and seal of office the 17th day of Jone in the year of Our Lord God 1583 and in the 25 year of the Reign of Our most gracious Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth etc.

“Signed Robert Cooke alias Clarencieulx Roy Darmes.”

Transcribed from ye Original Grant in the hands of George Leafield of Longthorpe, Esq, produced at Pererborough 26 July 1681 and compared by me “Grery King Rougedragon”