A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Boustead family of England.
Reg. 6716 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cinquefoilHope and joy
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Vert, on a cross betw. four cinquefoils ar. a rose of the first”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Boustead Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Boustead arms are recorded
The Boustead 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 Boustead 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 Boustead Family in England
The surname Boustead is a locational name that originated in the northern regions of England. It is derived from the Old Norse words "bol," meaning a dwelling or farm, and "stadr," meaning a place or site. This suggests that the earliest members of the family were likely farmers or settlers who lived on a specific homestead. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that the family had established a presence in the city of York. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religion, and the family likely integrated into the urban life of the city as merchants or skilled tradesmen. Over the following centuries, the name spread from these northern roots across the country, reflecting the movement of people in search of new opportunities and livelihoods.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bold-stede
A dwelling place or farmstead that is bold or prominent.
This name
BousteadRefers to a person who lived at a bold or distinguished farmstead or settlement.
also spelled
Busted
Boustede
Bustead
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cinquefoilHope and joy
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cinquefoilHope and joy
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
