A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bartholomew family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 3907 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. a chev. engr. betw. three lions ramp. sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Bartholomew Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bartholomew arms are recorded
The Bartholomew arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 Bartholomew 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 Bartholomew Family in England
The surname Bartholomew originates from the Aramaic name Bar-Talmay, which translates to son of Talmai. In England, the name became popular following the spread of Christianity, as it honors Saint Bartholomew the Apostle. By the time the family was established in York during the early seventeenth century, the name had evolved from a personal given name into a hereditary surname used to identify specific family lines. Families living in northern English cities like York during this period often worked as skilled tradespeople or merchants, contributing to the growing urban economy of the era. Because the name was tied to a religious figure, it was frequently passed down through generations as a way to show devotion and maintain family identity. These early ancestors in York lived during a time of significant social change, and their presence in city records suggests they were integrated into the local community life of the region.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Or, on a fess gu. betw. three goats' heads erased sa. two crosses crosslet fitchée of the field”
ScotlandGlasgow, c. 1869
Where the Bartholomew Arms Were Recorded
Glasgow
Map of Scotland showing where the Bartholomew arms are recorded
The Bartholomew arms were recorded in Glasgow, c. 1869.
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 Scotland in this period.
Victoria
Sovereign of the period
Victoria
1837–1901
Reigning in England when the Bartholomew arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Bartholomew Family in Scotland
The surname Bartholomew originates from the Aramaic name Bar-Talmai, which translates to son of Talmai. In Scotland, the name became established as a patronymic, meaning it was passed down to identify a person as the descendant of an ancestor named Bartholomew. While the name existed in various parts of Britain for centuries, records confirm that members of the family were firmly settled in Glasgow by 1869. During this period, Glasgow was a rapidly expanding industrial hub, and families like the Bartholomews were often involved in the city's growing trade, printing, and cartographic sectors. The name became synonymous with the city’s intellectual and commercial life as the family contributed to the development of Scottish mapmaking and publishing. By the late nineteenth century, the family had become a recognized part of the local community, reflecting the broader trend of families moving into urban centers to participate in the economic opportunities of the Victorian era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bar-Talmai
Aramaic patronymic meaning son of Talmai or son of the furrowed.
This name
BartholomewDerived from an Aramaic name meaning son of the one who abounds in furrows.
also spelled
Bartlemew
Bartolomew
Barthelme
Related arms
Gawdyrecorded with Bartholomew, same area
Gawsellrecorded with Bartholomew, same area
Gosell, or Goushillrecorded with Bartholomew, same area
Greggrecorded with Bartholomew, same area
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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
