A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barcroft family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2068 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
wolfReward from long service and hard work
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. betw. three wolves' heads erased ar. a mullet betw. two crescents gu”
WorcesterMeer Green · Worcester, c. 1620
Where the Barcroft Arms Were Recorded
Worcester
Map of England showing where the Barcroft arms are recorded
The Barcroft arms were recorded in Worcester, c. 1620.
Worcestershire was orchard and farming country with a scattering of old manors. Its gentry were middling rather than great, but a manor was a manor, and holding one was what brought 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Barcroft 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 Worcester.
Origin & History of the Barcroft Family in England
The surname Barcroft is a locative name, meaning it originated from a specific place rather than a trade or a personal trait. In Old English, the name combines the words "bar," referring to a wild boar, and "croft," which describes a small, enclosed field or farm. This suggests that the earliest members of the family likely lived near a piece of land where wild boars were commonly found or kept. While the name is deeply rooted in the northern counties of England, records confirm that members of the Barcroft family were well-established in the city of Worcester by 1620. During this period, the family was part of the growing urban middle class, often involved in local trade and civic life as England transitioned toward the modern era. Their presence in Worcester highlights how families moved from rural agricultural roots into expanding regional centers to pursue new economic opportunities.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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 lion ramp. sa. in the dexter chief point a trefoil slipped vert”
ArmaghArmagh, c. 1645
Where the Barcroft Arms Were Recorded
Armagh
Map of Ireland showing where the Barcroft arms are recorded
The Barcroft arms were recorded in Armagh, c. 1645.
Armagh was the church capital of Ireland with good farmland around it. Church office and landholding both brought standing, and standing was marked with 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Barcroft 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 Armagh.
Origin & History of the Barcroft Family in Ireland
The Barcroft family history in Ireland is deeply rooted in the seventeenth century, specifically within the region of County Armagh. By 1645, records confirm that members of the family had established a significant presence in this area, likely arriving as part of the broader patterns of migration and land settlement occurring during that period. The name itself is of English origin, derived from a geographical location meaning a barley field, but the family quickly integrated into the social and economic fabric of Ulster. As they settled in Armagh, they became involved in the local agricultural and civic life of the province. Their early history reflects the experiences of many families who moved to Ireland during this era, balancing their ancestral ties with the development of new estates and community connections in a changing landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bere croft
barley field or enclosure
This name
BarcroftA topographical name referring to someone who lived near a barley field.
also spelled
Barecroft
Related arms
Barecroftvariant spelling
Bearcroftvariant spelling
Bearecroftvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, Diocese of Worcester Bishop's Transcripts, 1620
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
wolfReward from long service and hard work
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
wolfReward from long service and hard work
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
