A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barkham family of England.
Reg. 0380 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. three pales gu. over all a chev. or”
EnglandLondon, c. 1611
Where the Barkham Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Barkham arms are recorded
The Barkham arms were recorded in London, c. 1611.
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 Barkham 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 Barkham Family in England
The surname Barkham is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, likely originating as a locative name for people who lived near a birch-covered enclosure or settlement. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the bustling city of London. Records from 1611 confirm that members of the Barkham family were active participants in the social and economic life of the capital during the reign of King James I. This period was a time of rapid growth for London, and families like the Barkhams often integrated into the city’s merchant classes or administrative circles. Their presence in the city during this era suggests they were part of the growing urban middle class that helped shape the development of early modern English society.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Beorc-ham
Birch tree and homestead or enclosure.
This name
BarkhamRefers to a settlement or farmstead located near a birch tree grove.
also spelled
Barkhamme
Barckham
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
London Metropolitan Archives, Church of England Parish Registers, 1538–1812
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
