A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Beresford family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 3835 · Irish, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. crusilly fitchée, three fleurs-de-lis within a bordure engr. sa., for Beresford; 2nd and 3rd, ar. a chief indented sa., for La Poer”
WaterfordWaterford, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Beresford arms are recorded
The Beresford arms were recorded in Waterford, c. 1645.
Waterford was a port with good farming country behind it, settled early by Norman families. Merchants and landowners both prospered, and both sorts of family took 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Beresford 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 Waterford.
Origin & History of the Beresford Family in Ireland
The Beresford family established their prominent roots in Ireland during the mid-seventeenth century when Tristram Beresford settled in County Waterford around 1645. Originally arriving from England, the family quickly integrated into the local administration and political life of the region. They gained significant influence by acquiring large estates, particularly through the development of the town of Curraghmore. Over the following generations, the family became deeply involved in the social and economic governance of Ireland, often serving in high-ranking positions within the church and the state. Their presence in Waterford transformed the local landscape, as they focused on agricultural improvements and the management of their extensive land holdings. By embedding themselves into the Irish aristocracy, the Beresfords transitioned from newcomers to one of the most powerful and enduring families in the south of Ireland.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. a bear salient sa. armed gu. muzzled, collared, and chained or”
StaffordBeresford · Stafford, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Beresford arms are recorded
The Beresford arms were recorded in Stafford, c. 1620.
Staffordshire was mixed country of moorland, farmland and early ironworking. Its landed families were spread widely rather than concentrated, and each holding brought its own claim to 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 Ireland when the Beresford 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 Stafford.
Origin & History of the Beresford Family in England
The Beresford family name originates from a specific place in the English county of Staffordshire. The name is derived from a location known as Beresford, which was situated near the River Dove. During the early seventeenth century, the family established a firm presence in the region, particularly around the year 1620. At this time, the family was deeply connected to the local landscape and the agricultural life of the Midlands. They were part of the landed gentry, which meant they held property and played an active role in local administration and community affairs. Over the generations, members of the family moved from these rural roots into positions of broader influence within the English government and military, but their identity remained firmly tied to their ancestral home in Staffordshire.
Beresford Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bereford
A ford crossing where barley was grown or traded.
This name
BeresfordDerived from a place name in Derbyshire, England, referring to a river crossing associated with barley.
also spelled
Beresfordh
Beresforde
Berefford
Related arms
Bereffordvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Beresford, William, The Beresford Family, 1878
National Archives of Ireland, Records of the Beresford Family, Curraghmore Estate Papers
National Library of Ireland, Beresford Family Papers, MS 10,000–10,500
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bordureA difference between branches of one family
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
