Map of Britain showing where the Bastardo arms are recorded
The Bastardo arms were recorded in Cornouailles, c. 1700.
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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Bastardo arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Britain.
Origin & History of the Bastardo Family in Britain
The surname Bastardo carries a complex history that reflects the movement of people across Europe during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. While the name is often associated with continental origins, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in Cornwall by the year 1700. During this era, Cornwall served as a vital hub for maritime trade and mining, attracting skilled laborers and merchants from across the English Channel. Families arriving from abroad often integrated into these coastal communities by working in the local tin mines or participating in the bustling port industries. Over time, the name became a permanent fixture in the region, marking the transition of these individuals from newcomers to established members of the Cornish population. This migration pattern highlights how families often sought new economic opportunities in Britain, leaving behind their ancestral roots to build stable lives in the growing industrial landscape of the West Country.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. on a bend betw. three fleurs-de-lis sa. as many boars' heads couped or”
NorfolkAslington · Norfolk, c. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Bastardo arms are recorded
The Bastardo arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Britain when the Bastardo 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Bastardo Family in England
The surname Bastardo carries a history that reflects the social structures of medieval and early modern Europe. While the name is often associated with continental roots, its presence in England became notable by the early seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the family were settled in the county of Norfolk by 1620. During this period, Norfolk was a bustling hub of trade and agriculture, making it a common destination for families seeking new opportunities or stability. The name itself likely originated as a descriptive term for a person’s status or lineage, which was a common practice for naming conventions in the Middle Ages. As these individuals integrated into English society, they contributed to the local economy and community life of East Anglia. By establishing themselves in Norfolk, the family became part of the regional history that helped shape the social landscape of the English countryside during the reign of King James I.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bastardus
Late Latin term for an illegitimate child or someone of mixed origin.
This name
BastardoA surname historically used to identify a person born out of wedlock.
also spelled
Bastart
Bastar
Basterd
Basterde
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
The National Archives, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, PROB 11
Kresen Kernow, Cornwall Parish Registers, P 45/1/1
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Tanguy, Bernard, Dictionnaire des noms de communes, trèves et paroisses du Finistère, 1990
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
