A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Aspinwall family of England.
Reg. 3545 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Per pale gu. and az. a fesse dancettée erm”
LancasterLancaster, c. 1620
Where the Aspinwall Arms Were Recorded
Lancaster
Map of England showing where the Aspinwall arms are recorded
The Aspinwall arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1620.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in the 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 Aspinwall 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 Lancaster.
Origin & History of the Aspinwall Family in England
The Aspinwall family name originates from the historic county of Lancashire in North West England. The name is locational, meaning it was derived from a specific place known as Aspinwall, which was situated near the town of Ormskirk. In the local dialect of the Middle Ages, the name likely described a small valley or enclosure where aspen trees grew. By the early 17th century, members of the family were well-established in the region, with records confirming their presence in Lancaster by 1620. During this era, the Aspinwalls were typically yeoman farmers or tradespeople who played active roles in their local parish communities. As the family grew, they became deeply rooted in the social and economic life of Lancashire before some members eventually migrated to the American colonies in search of new opportunities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Aspen and Well
A tree of the poplar family and a natural water source.
This name
AspinwallRefers to someone who lived near a spring or stream surrounded by aspen trees.
also spelled
Aspinall
Aspenwall
Related arms
Aspinallvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing Endell, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Ekwall, Eilert, The Place-Names of Lancashire, 1922
Lancashire Archives, Bishop's Transcripts of Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
