A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bastable family of England.
Reg. 9952 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. on a bend ar. three trefoils slipped vert”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Bastable Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bastable arms are recorded
The Bastable 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 Bastable 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 Bastable Family in England
The surname Bastable is a topographical name that likely originated from a place name, suggesting that the earliest members of the family lived near a specific bridge or a settlement associated with a stable. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that the family was well-established in the city of York. During this period, York was a major hub for trade and craftsmanship, and families like the Bastables often integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes. The name itself reflects the linguistic shifts of medieval England, where surnames were frequently adopted to describe a person's surroundings or their proximity to a local landmark. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Northern England, contributing to the development of the region through their roles in the local community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bast
A pack saddle or a woven fiber used for making ropes.
This name
BastableRefers to a person who lived near a pack saddle maker's workshop.
also spelled
Bastabill
Bastabull
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, 1997
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Yorkshire 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.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
