A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Burfield family of England.
Reg. 6805 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Paly of six ar. and sa. (another, adds a bend gu.)”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Burfield Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Burfield arms are recorded
The Burfield 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 Burfield 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 Burfield Family in England
The Burfield family name is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, where it likely originated as a topographical surname. Such names were commonly given to individuals who lived near a specific landmark, in this case, a "bur" or fort, and a "field," suggesting the family’s early ancestors were farmers or residents of a fortified clearing. By 1620, historical records confirm that members of the Burfield family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religion, and families living there were often involved in the city’s influential guilds or local commerce. The presence of the family in such a significant northern hub indicates that they were likely integrated into the social and economic life of the region during the early seventeenth century, a time of great transition in English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Burh-feld
Old English for a fortified enclosure or stronghold and an open land.
This name
BurfieldRefers to someone who lived near a fortified settlement situated in an open field or clearing.
also spelled
Burfeild
Burfill
Burfild
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' Accounts, 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.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
