A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bold family of England.
Reg. 1784 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
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 griffin segreant sa. beaked and legged or”
LancasterBold · Lancaster, c. 1620
Where the Bold Arms Were Recorded
Lancaster
Map of England showing where the Bold arms are recorded
The Bold arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1620.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Bold 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 Lancaster.
Origin & History of the Bold Family in England
The family name Bold originates from the Old English word "bald," which translates to bold or courageous. Historically, this name was often used as a descriptive nickname for someone known for their bravery or daring nature. By the early 17th century, the family had established a firm presence in the county of Lancashire. Records confirm that members of the Bold family were living in this region by 1620, where they were deeply integrated into the local community. During this era, families often took their names from the specific places where they resided, and the name Bold is linked to the township of Bold near St Helens. Over time, the family name became a permanent fixture in Lancashire, reflecting a long history of settlement and local influence in the north of England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bald
Old English word meaning bold, brave, or courageous.
This name
BoldA descriptive nickname for a person who was considered fearless or valiant.
also spelled
Bould
Boulde
Related arms
Boolde, or Bouldvariant spelling
Bould, or Boldvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ekwall, Eilert. The Place-Names of Lancashire. 1922
Farrer, William and Brownbill, John. A History of the County of Lancaster. 1907
The National Archives. Records of the Court of Chancery, C 2/JasI/B12/60
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
