Map of England showing where the Bashford arms are recorded
The Bashford arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1620.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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 Bashford 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Bashford Family in England
The surname Bashford is a locational name that likely originated from a specific place in England. It is believed to be derived from an Old English term meaning a ford near a place called Basha or a similar settlement. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Bashford family were well-established in the city of Derby. During this period, Derby was a growing market town known for its trade and local industries. Families living there often worked in crafts or agriculture, contributing to the local economy as the town expanded. The presence of the Bashford name in Derby during the early 17th century suggests that the family was part of the stable middle class that helped shape the community during the transition into the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Baecceford
A river crossing associated with a person named Baecce.
This name
BashfordDerived from an Old English locational name referring to a ford belonging to Baecce.
also spelled
Basforth
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
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby Parish Registers, 1620
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eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
