A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bolds family of Wales.
Reg. 3415 · Welsh, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Gu. a chev. betw. three lions ramp. or”
WalesTrerddot, c. 1647
Where the Bolds Arms Were Recorded
Denbigh
Map of Wales showing where the Bolds arms are recorded
The Bolds arms were recorded in Trerddot, c. 1647.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Denbigh.
Denbighshire was north Welsh country of hills and small estates. Land was held by a great many families rather than a few, and each holding brought its own claim to a coat of 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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Wales when the Bolds arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Wales.
Origin & History of the Bolds Family in Wales
The family name Bolds carries a history deeply rooted in the landscape of Denbigh, Wales, where members of the family were officially recorded as early as 1647. The name itself is thought to be a variation of the Old English word "bold," which historically referred to a dwelling or a small settlement. In the context of the seventeenth century, families living in the Denbigh area were often tied to the local agricultural economy and the shifting political climate of the Welsh borderlands. As the family established themselves in this region, they became part of the local community structure, likely serving in roles related to land management or trade. Over time, the name evolved through local dialects and record-keeping practices, eventually solidifying into the spelling used today. This early presence in Denbigh suggests that the family was well-integrated into the social fabric of the town during a period of significant regional transition.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bald
Derived from the Proto-Germanic word meaning bold, brave, or shining.
This name
BoldsA descriptive surname denoting a person who was courageous, fearless, or distinguished in character.
also spelled
Boldes
Bolde
Related arms
Boolde, or Bouldvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
National Library of Wales, Denbighshire Quarter Sessions Records
Owen, H. W., The Place-Names of Wales, 1998
Williams, G., Recovery, Reorientation and Reformation: Wales c.1415–1642, 1987
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
