A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brydges family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 9846 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. on a cross sa. a leopard's face or”
GloucesterCobberley · Gloucester, c. 1620
Where the Brydges Arms Were Recorded
Gloucester
Map of England showing where the Brydges arms are recorded
The Brydges arms were recorded in Gloucester, c. 1620.
Gloucestershire had good farmland, a cloth trade in its valleys and a river carrying goods to Bristol. All three made money, and money bought the estates that brought arms with them.
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 Brydges 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 Gloucester.
Origin & History of the Brydges Family in England
The family name Brydges has deep roots in the English landscape, particularly within the county of Gloucestershire. By the year 1620, members of the family were well-established in this region, where they played active roles in local community and social life. The name itself is a variant of Bridges, which likely originated as a topographic surname for people who lived near a bridge or a similar crossing point. Over time, the spelling evolved to reflect regional dialects and the personal preferences of different family branches. As the family grew in prominence, they became deeply connected to the history of Gloucestershire, often serving in local government or managing land in the area. Their presence in the early seventeenth century marks a period when the family was already a recognized part of the local social fabric, helping to shape the development of their home county through their daily work and civic contributions.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a chief gu., over all a bend engr. sa. charged on the chief point with a chaplet or”
RadnorBoultibrook · Radnor, c. 1647
Where the Brydges Arms Were Recorded
Radnor
Map of Wales showing where the Brydges arms are recorded
The Brydges arms were recorded in Radnor, c. 1647.
Radnorshire was empty mid-Welsh hill country, the least populated county in Wales. Its few landed families held their ground for centuries, and long holding brought 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 England when the Brydges 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 Radnor.
Origin & History of the Brydges Family in Wales
The history of the Brydges family in Wales is deeply rooted in the rugged landscape of Radnorshire, where members of the family were firmly established by the mid-seventeenth century. While the name itself has older origins linked to the border regions between England and Wales, the Brydges family became significant local figures in Radnor by 1647. During this period, the family integrated into the social and political fabric of the Welsh Marches, a region defined by its history of shifting boundaries and cultural exchange. Their presence in Radnor suggests they were part of the landed gentry who managed local estates and participated in the civic life of the county. By settling in this area, the family helped shape the community during a time of great national upheaval, leaving a lasting mark on the local history of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bruges
A city in Flanders derived from the Old Norse word for bridge.
This name
BrydgesAn English habitational name denoting someone who originally hailed from the city of Bruges.
also spelled
Bridges
Bridge
Related arms
Bridgevariant spelling
Bridgesvariant spelling
Grenvillerecorded with Brydges, same area
Harefordrecorded with Brydges, same area
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
Bigland, Ralph, Historical, Monumental and Genealogical Collections, relative to the County of Gloucester, 1791
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills and other probate records, 1620
Gloucestershire Archives, Records of the County of Gloucester, 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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
