Map of England showing where the Bursh arms are recorded
The Bursh 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 Bursh 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 Bursh Family in England
The family name Bursh traces its roots to the historic city of York, where members of the family were established by the year 1620. During the early seventeenth century, York was a bustling center of trade and religious activity, providing a unique environment for families to settle and grow. The name likely evolved from regional dialects or topographical descriptions common in Northern England at the time. As residents of a major administrative hub, early members of the Bursh family were likely integrated into the professional or merchant classes that defined the city’s economy. By living in York during this period, the family would have witnessed significant national shifts, including the rise of colonial expansion and the growing political tensions that eventually shaped English society. Their presence in such a prominent location suggests that the family was well-positioned within the local community during a formative era of British history.
Bursh Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Burs
Old English term for a small dwelling or hut.
This name
BurshA habitational name for someone who lived in or near a small cottage or shed.
also spelled
Bursch
Bursche
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Baines, Edward. History, Directory and Gazetteer of the County of York. 1822
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1610–1630
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