Map of England showing where the Forseth arms are recorded
The Forseth arms were recorded in Middlesex, c. 1611.
Middlesex was the county around London, and City money flowed straight into it. Merchants and officials bought estates within reach of the capital, and a new estate brought a coat of arms with it.
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 Forseth 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 Middlesex.
Origin & History of the Forseth Family in England
The family name Forseth is rooted in the landscape of Northern Europe, specifically drawing from Old Norse origins that describe a person living near a waterfall or a river crossing. By the early 17th century, the name had established a presence in England, with records confirming that members of the family were living in Middlesex by 1611. During this period, Middlesex was a bustling region surrounding London, serving as a hub for trade, agriculture, and social mobility. Families like the Forseths often moved into these areas to take advantage of the growing economic opportunities in the capital city. While the name remains tied to its Scandinavian linguistic roots, its early English history reflects the broader movement of people who helped shape the local communities of the London periphery during the reign of King James I.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fors
Old Norse word meaning a waterfall or a rushing stream.
This name
ForsethDerived from a topographic location near a waterfall or a dwelling by a stream.
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
London Metropolitan Archives, Middlesex Sessions Rolls, 1611
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Exchequer: King's Remembrancer: Lay Subsidy Rolls, 1611
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
