Map of Ireland showing where the Arthur arms are recorded
The Arthur arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1606.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Ireland when the Arthur arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Arthur Family in Ireland
The history of the Arthur family in Ireland is deeply connected to the urban development of Dublin during the early seventeenth century. While the name itself has ancient roots, historical records confirm that members of the family were established residents of Dublin by 1606. During this period, the city was a bustling center of trade and administration, and families like the Arthurs often occupied roles within the merchant class or the local government. They lived through a time of significant political transition as the English administration tightened its control over Irish society. By settling in the capital, these early family members integrated themselves into the economic life of the city, helping to shape the social landscape of Dublin long before the modern era. Their presence in official records from the early 1600s highlights their role as part of the growing urban population that defined the city during the late Renaissance.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 rests (or clarions) or”
EssexSpringfield · Essex, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Arthur arms are recorded
The Arthur arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1620.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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 Ireland when the Arthur 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Arthur Family in England
The surname Arthur is deeply rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, originating from the Brythonic word for bear. While the name is famously linked to legendary figures of British folklore, its use as a hereditary family name in England began to solidify during the Middle Ages. By the time the name appeared in Essex records in 1620, families bearing this title had already established themselves across various English counties as part of the growing middle class. These early ancestors were often farmers, tradespeople, or local landowners who helped shape the rural economy of the region. Their presence in Essex during the early seventeenth century reflects a period of migration and social change, as families moved to seek new opportunities in the expanding agricultural landscape. This transition from a personal name to a stable family surname marks a significant chapter in the history of the name, grounding it firmly in the local communities of England long before the modern era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. three wheels in chief ar”
Walesc. 1647
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Map of Wales showing where the Arthur arms are recorded
The Arthur arms were recorded in Wales, c. 1647.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Denbigh.
Denbighshire was north Welsh country of hills and small estates. Land was held by a great many families rather than a few, and each holding brought its own claim to a coat of 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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Arthur arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Wales.
Origin & History of the Arthur Family in Wales
The history of the Arthur family in Wales is deeply rooted in the rugged landscape of Denbighshire, where records confirm their presence by the mid-seventeenth century. The name itself is ancient and likely originates from the Brythonic language, carrying meanings associated with strength and the bear. While the name is famously linked to legendary figures of British folklore, the actual families who bore it were often local landowners or tenant farmers who helped shape the rural economy of North Wales. By 1647, the Arthurs were established members of the Denbigh community, living through a period of great political upheaval during the English Civil War. Their survival and growth in this region suggest a family that was well-integrated into the social fabric of the Welsh borderlands, maintaining their identity through generations of agricultural and community life.
Arthur Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Artos
A Proto-Celtic term meaning bear or stone.
This name
ArthurDerived from the Celtic word for bear, symbolizing strength, courage, and nobility.
also spelled
Arther
Arthor
Related arms
Arthervariant spelling
Balstonrecorded with Arthur, same area
Freemanrecorded with Arthur, same area
Hopwoodrecorded with Arthur, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
National Archives of Ireland, Dublin City Council Records
The National Archives (UK), State Papers Ireland
Clarke, Aidan, The Old English in Ireland 1625–42, 1966
McCormack, Anthony M., The Earldom of Desmond 1463–1583: The Decline and Crisis of a Feudal Lordship, 2005
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
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
