A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Belford family of England.
Reg. 7258 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bellA call to prayer, and a warning given
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Sa. a fesse barry wavy of six ar. and az. betw. three hawks' bells of the second”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Belford Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Belford arms are recorded
The Belford 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 Belford 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 Belford Family in England
The surname Belford is a locational name that originated in England, likely derived from a place name meaning a ford near a beautiful or bell-shaped hill. By the early 17th century, members of the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm their residence in this area by 1620, placing them in a city that served as a major center for trade and religious life in Northern England. During this period, families in York often played active roles in the local guilds and the civic administration of the city. As the Belford name became more common in the region, those who carried it were often involved in the local economy, contributing to the growth of the community through their work and social connections. This early history reflects the broader movement of families across Northern England as they settled into established urban centers during the Stuart era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bel-ford
A beautiful ford or a river crossing near a pleasant location.
This name
BelfordDerived from a locational surname referring to a river crossing situated at a beautiful or fair site.
also spelled
Belfurd
Related arms
Bellingfordvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bellA call to prayer, and a warning given
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bellA call to prayer, and a warning given
