A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Beckford family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8587 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a chev. sa. betw. three trefoils slipped vert”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Beckford Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Beckford arms are recorded
The Beckford 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 Jamaica when the Beckford 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 Beckford Family in England
The family name Beckford originated as a locative surname, which means it was derived from a specific place name in England. Etymologically, the name is composed of the Old English words "bece," meaning a stream or brook, and "ford," referring to a shallow place where one could cross a river. This suggests that the earliest ancestors of the family likely lived near a prominent stream crossing. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that members of the Beckford family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York was a major center for trade and administration in Northern England, and families living there were often involved in the merchant classes or local civic duties. As the family grew, they moved beyond their original geographic roots, eventually becoming influential figures in both English commerce and colonial history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Beceford
A ford located near a stream or brook.
This name
BeckfordDerived from Old English elements referring to a river crossing near a stream.
also spelled
Bekford
Beckforth
Bekforth
Related arms
Martineaurecorded with Beckford, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Ekwall, Eilert, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-names, 1960
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
