A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Boatfield family of England.
Reg. 5974 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 lion ramp. gu. debruised by a saltire sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Boatfield Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Boatfield arms are recorded
The Boatfield 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 Boatfield 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 Boatfield Family in England
The surname Boatfield is a topographical name that likely originated from individuals who lived or worked near a specific boat landing or a field associated with river transport. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York, England. Records from 1620 indicate that members of the family were integrated into the local community during a time when York served as a vital hub for trade and regional administration. Because the city was situated along the River Ouse, it is probable that the family name was tied to the bustling river traffic and the agricultural lands that bordered the waterway. Over time, the name evolved as families moved from these riverside settlements into different parts of the country, yet the connection to the geography of Northern England remains a defining feature of their early history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bot-feld
Old English for a messenger or herald and an open land area.
This name
BoatfieldRefers to a person who lived or worked on a field belonging to a messenger.
also spelled
Botfield
Boatfeld
Botfeld
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
lionCourage, strength and royalty
