A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fortescue family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 4323 · French, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'azur à la bande engr. d'arg., coticée d'or (Fortescue); aux 2 et 3 d'arg. à six croix recr. au pied fiché de sa. et au chef d'azur ch. de deux molettes (5) d'or, percées de gu. (Clinton). C.: un tigre héraldique au nat., posant la patte dextre sur un écusson d'arg. S.: deux lévriers d'arg., coll. de couronnes de gu., liées du même. D.: FORTE SCUTUM SALUS DUCUM.”
Francec. 1746
Where the Fortescue Arms Were Recorded
Bretagne
Map of France showing where the Fortescue arms are recorded
The Fortescue arms were recorded in France, c. 1746.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Louis XV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XV of France
1715–1774
Reigning in France when the Fortescue arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Fortescue Family in France
The origins of the Fortescue name in France are deeply connected to the historical landscape of Brittany during the eighteenth century. While the family is often associated with English history, records confirm their presence in the Breton region by 1746. During this period, the family lived within a society defined by complex social structures and regional traditions. Members of the family likely navigated the shifting political climate of the French provinces while maintaining their distinct identity. Their transition into this area suggests a history of movement and adaptation that was common for families of that era. By settling in Brittany, they became part of the local fabric, contributing to the cultural and social life of the region during a time of significant transition in French history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. a bend engr. ar. plain cotised or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Fortescue Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Fortescue arms are recorded
The Fortescue 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 France when the Fortescue 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 Fortescue Family in England
The history of the Fortescue family in England is deeply rooted in the social and political landscape of the medieval and early modern periods. While the name is often associated with ancient landed gentry, historical records confirm that members of the family were firmly established in the city of York by 1620. During this era, York served as a vital northern hub for trade, law, and administration, suggesting that the family played an active role in the urban life of the region. By settling in such a prominent city, these early ancestors likely participated in the local merchant classes or the professional legal circles that defined the period. This move away from purely rural estates reflects a broader trend of families seeking influence within England’s growing provincial centers. Their presence in York highlights how the family evolved from their earlier origins to become part of the fabric of English civic society.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fortis scutum
Latin for strong shield.
This name
FortescueDerived from the Old French phrase meaning strong shield, likely referring to a brave warrior.
also spelled
Forteskew
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B: Cours et juridictions
Archives départementales du Morbihan, Série E: Familles et seigneuries
Poterie, Henri, Histoire de la Bretagne, 1952
Le Moyne de La Borderie, Arthur, Histoire de Bretagne, 1896
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
