Fane, an English surname of Welsh origins, can identify a family which has produced a number of notable members. The family allegedly descends from Ivon Vane, a Welsh landowner and mercenary captain in the service of the Black Prince. Ivon Vane or "John Fane", as he was known in English, was one of three captains who captured King John II of France at the battle of Poitiers 1356. He was knighted and shared in the ransom monies, which made him very wealthy. He settled in Kent. His descendants include two notable families: the Fane family, whose members became the Earls of Westmoreland; and the Vane family, who became the Earls of Darlington. Both families have golden gauntlets on their arms in memory of the surrender of King John.