A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ashfield family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 0554 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. a trefoil slipped sa. between three mullets gu”
BuckinghamshireCamden · Buckinghamshire, c. 1620
Where the Ashfield Arms Were Recorded
Buckinghamshire
Map of England showing where the Ashfield arms are recorded
The Ashfield arms were recorded in Buckinghamshire, c. 1620.
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 Ashfield 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 Buckinghamshire.
Origin & History of the Ashfield Family in England
The surname Ashfield is a locative name, meaning it originated from a specific place rather than a trade or a personal characteristic. The name is derived from the Old English words "æsc," meaning ash tree, and "feld," meaning an open field or pasture. This suggests that the earliest ancestors to adopt the name lived near a clearing defined by ash trees. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Buckinghamshire, particularly around the village of Chesham. Records from this era show the family integrated into the local community as landowners and members of the gentry. Their position in Buckinghamshire allowed them to participate in the social and political life of the region during a time of significant transition in English history. As the family grew, they maintained deep roots in the English countryside, reflecting the common practice of families identifying themselves by the geography of their ancestral homes.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
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. a fess engr. betw. three fleurs-de-lis ar”
DublinChristchurch · Dublin, c. 1598
Where the Ashfield Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Ashfield arms are recorded
The Ashfield arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1598.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Ashfield 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 Ashfield Family in Ireland
The Ashfield family name first appeared in the historical record of Ireland during the late sixteenth century, specifically within the bustling urban environment of Dublin. By 1598, members of the family were established in the city, likely arriving as part of the administrative and military expansion that characterized the Tudor period in Ireland. During this era, Dublin served as the primary hub for English officials and settlers who were tasked with managing the crown's interests. The Ashfields were among those who integrated into the social and economic life of the capital, moving away from their English roots to become part of the growing colonial bureaucracy. As they settled into their new surroundings, they navigated the complex political landscape of the Pale, which was the region surrounding Dublin that remained under direct English control. Their presence in the city during this time suggests they were involved in the professional or merchant classes that supported the expansion of the English administration throughout the island.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aesc and Feld
Old English for ash tree and open land or field.
This name
AshfieldRefers to a person who lived near a clearing or pasture characterized by ash trees.
also spelled
Ashfeld
Ashfelde
Ashfild
Related arms
Ashfeldvariant spelling
Percyrecorded with Ashfield, 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
Lipscomb, George, The History and Antiquities of the County of Buckingham, 1847
Buckinghamshire Archives, Parish Registers of Chesham, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
