A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Alred family of England.
Reg. 4637 · 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. betw. three griffins' heads erased ar. armed or”
YorkHolderness · York, c. 1620
Where the Alred Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Alred arms are recorded
The Alred arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Alred 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 York.
Origin & History of the Alred Family in England
The surname Alred is rooted in Old English, originating from the personal name Aethelred, which combines the elements for noble and counsel. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Alred family were active participants in the civic and social life of this historic northern hub. During this era, York served as a vital center for trade and administration, and families like the Alreds often contributed to the local economy as merchants or skilled tradespeople. As the family grew, they became part of the broader tapestry of Yorkshire history, reflecting the steady migration and professional development common to English families during the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aethelraed
Old English elements meaning noble and counsel.
This name
AlredA surname derived from the Old English given name meaning noble counsel.
Related arms
Caterallrecorded with Alred, same area
D'Arcyrecorded with Alred, same area
Froddinghamrecorded with Alred, same area
Hattonrecorded with Alred, same area
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, 1991
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
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
