A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Aldred family of England.
Reg. 0358 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. a chev. (another engr.) betw. three griffins' heads erased ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Aldred Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Aldred arms are recorded
The Aldred arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Aldred arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Aldred Family in England
The surname Aldred is rooted in Old English origins, derived from the personal name Ealdræd, which combines the elements for "old" and "counsel." This name was popular in Anglo-Saxon England and suggests that early ancestors were respected figures within their local communities. By the time the family was firmly established in York during the early seventeenth century, the name had evolved into a stable hereditary surname. Records from 1620 indicate that the Aldreds were active participants in the social and economic life of York, a city that served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration. During this period, families like the Aldreds were often involved in the merchant guilds or local crafts that defined the city’s character. Their presence in such a historic urban center suggests that they were settled members of society who contributed to the growth of the region during a time of significant transition in English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ealdræd
Old English elements meaning old or ancient and counsel or advice.
This name
AldredAn ancient name signifying a wise counselor or one who provides aged guidance.
also spelled
Aldread
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
