A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Despard family of Ireland.
Reg. 4623 · Irish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. on a cross ar. five torteaux”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Despard Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Despard arms are recorded
The Despard arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Ireland when the Despard arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Despard Family in Ireland
The Despard family name is believed to have French origins, likely derived from the term "despard," which suggests a connection to someone who was considered bold or daring. By the mid-seventeenth century, members of the family had established a firm presence in Dublin, appearing in official records as early as 1645. During this period, the family became integrated into the social and administrative life of Ireland, often serving in military or civil roles that were common for families of their standing at the time. As they settled into their new environment, they transitioned from their continental roots to become a recognized part of the Irish landscape. Their early history reflects the broader movement of families across Europe during a time of significant political and social change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
desespoir
A French term meaning hopelessness or despair.
This name
DespardA nickname likely given to a person of a melancholy or hopeless disposition.
also spelled
Despaarde
Desperde
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
National Archives of Ireland, Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Ireland, 1633–1647
Burke, Bernard, A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Ireland, 1912
The National Archives (UK), Civil Survey of the County of Dublin, 1654
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
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
