A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Baldry family of England.
Reg. 3143 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Sa. on a chev. engr. betw. three demi griffins couped or, as many martlets gu”
EnglandLondon, c. 1523
Where the Baldry Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Baldry arms are recorded
The Baldry arms were recorded in London, c. 1523.
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.
Henry VIII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VIII of England
1509–1547
Reigning in England when the Baldry 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 England.
Origin & History of the Baldry Family in England
The surname Baldry is rooted in ancient Germanic origins, derived from the personal name Baldric, which combines elements meaning bold and ruler. By the time the name appeared in London records in 1523, it had already established a presence in England as a hereditary family name. During the sixteenth century, individuals bearing this name were often associated with the growing merchant class in the city. They participated in the vibrant trade and civic life that defined London during the Tudor period. As the family grew, they spread from the capital into surrounding counties like Suffolk and Norfolk. This transition from a personal name to a permanent family identifier reflects the broader social changes occurring in England as surnames became essential for legal and tax purposes.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Baldric
Derived from the Germanic elements bald meaning bold and ric meaning power.
This name
BaldryA surname originating from the Old English personal name Baldric, signifying a bold and powerful ruler.
also spelled
Baldrey
Baldrie
Baldray
Related arms
Baldreyvariant spelling
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
The National Archives, Subsidy Rolls for the City of London, E 179/144/12, 1523
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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
