A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ashburnham family of England.
Reg. 5527 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
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 fesse ar. betw. six plates”
SussexSussex, c. 1620
Where the Ashburnham Arms Were Recorded
Sussex
Map of England showing where the Ashburnham arms are recorded
The Ashburnham arms were recorded in Sussex, c. 1620.
Sussex had ironworks in its woods and good farmland on its downs. Both made money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names in the heraldic records.
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 Ashburnham 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 Sussex.
Origin & History of the Ashburnham Family in England
The Ashburnham family name originates from the ancient village of Ashburnham in the county of Sussex. The name itself is derived from Old English, combining the word for an ash tree with a term for a stream or riverbank. By the early 17th century, the family had firmly established deep roots in this region, with records confirming their presence in Sussex by 1620. During this period, the family was deeply involved in the local governance and agricultural life of the area. They were known as prominent landowners who played a significant role in the development of the local community. Their long-standing connection to the landscape of Sussex helped define their identity for generations, as they remained closely tied to the specific geography where their name first emerged.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aescbeornham
Old English elements meaning ash tree, warrior, and homestead or village.
This name
AshburnhamRefers to a settlement or homestead located near an ash tree by a stream.
also spelled
Ashburnam
Ashbrenham
Ashbornham
Related arms
Ashburnersame arms
Asherburn, or Ashburnersame arms
Lemstersame arms
Ashbrenhamvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Lower, Mark Antony, A Compendious History of Sussex, 1870
Horsfield, Thomas Walker, The History, Antiquities, and Topography of the County of Sussex, 1835
The National Archives, Ashburnham Family of Ashburnham, Sussex: Deeds and Estate Papers, 1600–1900
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
