A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bustard family of England.
Reg. 6030 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 fesse gu. betw. three ogresses, as many bustards or”
DevonshireDevonshire, c. 1620
Where the Bustard Arms Were Recorded
Devonshire
Map of England showing where the Bustard arms are recorded
The Bustard arms were recorded in Devonshire, c. 1620.
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 Bustard 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 Devonshire.
Origin & History of the Bustard Family in England
The surname Bustard is an ancient English name that likely originated as a descriptive nickname. During the Middle Ages, people were often given names based on their physical traits or personality, and the bustard is a large, heavy-bodied bird that was once common across the English countryside. It is probable that an early ancestor was compared to this bird due to a distinct walk or a bold personality. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that members of the Bustard family were well-established in the county of Devonshire. This region provided a stable environment for families to grow and develop their local roots over several generations. Because the name is tied to the natural world, it reflects the deep connection that rural families had with the landscape and wildlife of southwestern England during the seventeenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bustard
Derived from the Old French word for a large game bird.
This name
BustardA nickname for a person who resembled the large, heavy-bodied bird in appearance or gait.
also spelled
Bustart
Bustert
Related arms
Holstockrecorded with Bustard, 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
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Exchequer: King's Remembrancer: Port Books, E 190
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
