A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Becher family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 0500 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Vaire ar. and [?] on a canton or, a buck's head cabossed sa”
BedfordshireBedfordshire, c. 1620
Where the Becher Arms Were Recorded
Bedfordshire
Map of England showing where the Becher arms are recorded
The Becher arms were recorded in Bedfordshire, c. 1620.
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 Becher 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 Bedfordshire.
Origin & History of the Becher Family in England
The surname Becher is rooted in the occupational history of medieval England, where it likely originated as a descriptive term for a person who lived near a prominent beech tree or worked as a maker of beakers. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in Bedfordshire, a region where they became deeply integrated into the local social and economic fabric. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Becher family were active in this area, often serving as landowners and local officials who helped manage the affairs of their parishes. Their transition from rural laborers or tradespeople to established members of the gentry reflects the broader social mobility seen in England during the Stuart period. Through their involvement in regional administration and agriculture, the Becher family helped shape the development of Bedfordshire communities during a time of significant transition in English history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Vaire ar. and gu. on a canton or, a stag's head couped sa. quarterly with WRIXON”
CorkBallygiblin · Cork, c. 1645
Where the Becher Arms Were Recorded
Cork
Map of Ireland showing where the Becher arms are recorded
The Becher arms were recorded in Cork, c. 1645.
Cork was the largest county in Ireland, with a great harbour and a wide farming hinterland. Both English settlers and older Irish families held land there, and holding land is what brought a family into the 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Becher arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Cork.
Origin & History of the Becher Family in Ireland
The Becher family established a significant presence in County Cork by 1645, marking the beginning of their long influence in southern Ireland. The family originally arrived from England during the seventeenth century as part of the broader movement of settlers who took up land grants under the crown. Phane Becher was a prominent figure among these early arrivals, and he played a major role in developing the town of Skibbereen. By acquiring large estates, the family became deeply integrated into the local administration and economy of West Cork. Over the following generations, they transitioned from newcomers into a landed gentry family that held considerable sway over local politics and agricultural management. Their history in the region is defined by their rapid rise to social prominence and their enduring connection to the landscape of County Cork.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
baccharius
Latin term referring to a person who works with wine or vessels.
This name
BecherAn occupational surname for a maker or seller of drinking cups or pitchers.
also spelled
Bechar
Related arms
Beachervariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
