A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Battenberg family of Germany.
Reg. 2079 · German, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Éc.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à deux pals de sa. (armes des anciens dynastes de Battenberg); aux 2 et 3 de gu. à une roue d'arg. (armes de Mayence). S.: deux lions reg. d'or, sommés de couronnes à neuf perles. — (Princes, 26 sept. 1858.) Éc.: aux 1 et 4 d'azur au lion burelé d'arg. et de gu. de dix pièces, arm. et cour. d'or (Hesse); à la bord. comp. de gu. et d'arg. de seize pièces; aux 2 et 3 d'arg. à deux pals de sa. (Battenberg). Deux cq. d'or, cour. C.: 1º deux prob. burelées d'arg. et de gu. de dix pièces, ornées chacune à l'ext. de cinq branches de tilleul de sin., dont une dans l'embouchure; l. d'arg. et de gu.; 2º quatre pl. d'aut. de sa., d'arg., de sa. et d'arg.; l. d'arg. et de sa. S.: deux lions reg. d'or. D.: IN TE DOMINE SPERO. Manteau de pourpre, doublé d'herm., sommé de la couronne princière [Issus du mariage du prince Alexandre de Hesse-Darmstadt avec la comtesse Julie von Haucke.”
GermanyGrand, c. 1851
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Map of Germany showing where the Battenberg arms are recorded
The Battenberg arms were recorded in Grand, c. 1851.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bavaria.
Bavaria was a country of old landed families and walled market towns. Estates passed down the same line for centuries, and both the landowners and the leading townsmen kept arms, which is why so many Bavarian names sit in the registers.
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 Germany in this period.
Frederick William IV of Prussia
Sovereign of the period
Frederick William IV of Prussia
1840–1861
Reigning in Germany when the Battenberg arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Germany
Prussian heraldry was strictly tied to social rank and noble status rather than being a free choice for every citizen. These symbols were treated as permanent family property that moved through the generations to all legitimate heirs. If a family branch wanted to change their design to stand out, they had to apply for official permission to alter their specific version of the shield.
Granting authority
The Prussian Heroldsamt acted as the central state office that managed and strictly controlled all noble titles and coats of arms.
How they got arms
Families usually obtained their arms through formal royal grants or by proving their long-standing noble status to the state authorities.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms were kept in the rolls of the Prussian Heroldsamt, which functioned from 1706 until 1918.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Germany.
Origin & History of the Battenberg Family in Germany
The name Battenberg originates from a small town in the German state of Hesse, where a castle of the same name was built in the thirteenth century. While the original noble line associated with that castle died out during the Middle Ages, the name was later revived in the nineteenth century through a morganatic marriage. In 1851, Prince Alexander of Hesse and by Rhine married a woman named Julia Hauke, who was not of royal blood. Because their marriage did not meet the strict rules for royal unions, the Grand Duke of Hesse granted Julia the title of Countess of Battenberg to provide her and her children with a distinct identity. This allowed the family to establish a new branch that eventually gained prominence across Europe. By the time the family members were active in Bavaria and other regions during the mid-nineteenth century, they had successfully transitioned from a historical geographic name into a recognized noble house.
Battenberg Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Batten and Berg
A settlement belonging to Batte and a mountain or hill.
This name
BattenbergRefers to a specific town in Hesse, Germany, situated near a mountain.
also spelled
Batenberg
Battenburg
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Eilers, Marlene A., Queen Victoria's Descendants, 1987
Massie, Robert K., Nicholas and Alexandra, 1967
Hessisches Staatsarchiv Darmstadt, Bestand D 4 (Hausarchiv der Großherzöge von Hessen und bei Rhein), 1851
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
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
