A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Freshwater family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 9087 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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 fesse erm. betw. two fishes ar”
EssexHeybridge Hall · Essex, c. 1620
Where the Freshwater Arms Were Recorded
Essex
Map of England showing where the Freshwater arms are recorded
The Freshwater arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1620.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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 Freshwater 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Freshwater Family in England
The surname Freshwater is a locative name, meaning it was originally used to identify people who lived near a specific body of fresh water. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Essex, particularly around the town of Writtle. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Freshwater family were active in this region, where they were often involved in local agriculture and community life. Because surnames were still becoming standardized during this period, the name likely served as a simple way to distinguish one family from another based on their proximity to a local stream or pond. Over time, these early settlers helped root the name firmly within the social fabric of East Anglia, where it remained a recognized part of the local population for generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
handFaith, sincerity and justice
cinquefoilHope and joy
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. a dexter hand apaumée couped at the wrist betw. three cinquefoils ar”
Irelandc. 1661
Where the Freshwater Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Freshwater arms are recorded
The Freshwater arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1661.
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 II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in England when the Freshwater 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 Freshwater Family in Ireland
The history of the Freshwater name in Ireland is deeply connected to the social and political shifts of the seventeenth century. While the name is of English origin, records confirm that family members were firmly established in Dublin by 1661. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and administration, and families like the Freshwaters often arrived as part of the movement of people following the Cromwellian settlement. These early residents likely integrated into the city’s growing merchant class or served in administrative roles within the capital. Because the name is topographic, it suggests that the family’s ancestors originally lived near a stream or a river, a trait that may have influenced their choice to settle in a port city like Dublin. Over time, the family became a part of the urban fabric of Ireland, transitioning from newcomers to established residents who helped shape the local community during a time of significant national change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fresh + Water
Old English words for new or pure and a liquid substance.
This name
FreshwaterA topographic name for someone who lived near a stream or spring.
also spelled
Freshwatur
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Smith, J.R., Writtle: The Story of a Village, 1973
Essex Record Office, Parish Registers of Writtle, D/P 162/1/1
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
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
fishA true and generous mind, and Christian faith
handFaith, sincerity and justice
cinquefoilHope and joy
