The Lilburns are a family originating in Northumberland, United Kingdom, and were members of the country's lesser gentry throughout the Late Middle Ages up until the 17th century.

[4][7] The Lilburn arms appeared "cut in stone" on the chapel of Belford and, albeit no longer visible, were recorded by Richard Gough during his tours across Britain to also include an annulet or crescent.

As of the 15th Century, a branch of the family, bearing the inverted coat of arms, argent, three bougets sable, is recorded to have held "a modest manorial holding" at Thickley Punchardon, near Bishop Auckland.

[4] [20][21] Of this line, in the 17th century, John Lilburne and most of his family were key figures in the English Civil Wars.

In his day, the family was noted to be "typical of the lesser gentry in the northern counties: its members often dull and uninspired, sitting in Parliament but saying little, engaging in the minutiae of local magisterial and commercial disputes.