A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barham family of England.
Reg. 2585 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. on a fesse gu. betw. three bears pass. sa. muzzled or, a”
MiddlesexStaines · Middlesex, c. 1620
Where the Barham Arms Were Recorded
Middlesex
Map of England showing where the Barham arms are recorded
The Barham arms were recorded in Middlesex, c. 1620.
Middlesex was the county around London, and City money flowed straight into it. Merchants and officials bought estates within reach of the capital, and a new estate brought a coat of arms with it.
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 Barham 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 Middlesex.
Origin & History of the Barham Family in England
The surname Barham originates from Old English roots, likely evolving as a locational name derived from places named Barham in Kent or Suffolk. These locations were historically described as a homestead or enclosure belonging to a person named Beora. By the early 17th century, members of the Barham family were well-established in Middlesex, a region that served as a central hub for commerce and government near London. During this period, the family was part of the growing movement of English settlers who documented their lives through parish registers and legal indentures. These early records show that the Barhams were integrated into the local community, often participating in the trade and administrative life of the English capital during the reign of King James I.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ham
An enclosure, homestead, or village settlement.
This name
BarhamDerived from a location in Kent meaning the homestead or enclosure belonging to the inhabitants.
also spelled
Barram
Related arms
Finbarnsimilar arms
Tewydallrecorded with Barham, same area
Wicksrecorded with Barham, same area
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
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1620
London Metropolitan Archives, Church of England 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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
