A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fulford family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 4352 · Britain, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De gu. au chev. d'arg. C.: une tête d'ours de sa., emmuselée d'or. T.: deux Sarasins. D.: BEAR UP.”
DevonshireDevonshire, c. 1700
Where the Fulford Arms Were Recorded
Devonshire
Map of Britain showing where the Fulford arms are recorded
The Fulford arms were recorded in Devonshire, c. 1700.
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 Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the Fulford arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Fulford Family in Britain
The family name Fulford originates from the ancient landscape of Devonshire in southwestern England. The name is locative, meaning it was derived from a specific place known as a "foul ford," which likely referred to a muddy or swampy river crossing. By the early 18th century, the family was well-established in this region, where they lived as part of the local landed gentry and agricultural community. The name reflects the deep connection between early English surnames and the physical geography of the countryside. Because the family remained rooted in Devonshire for generations, they became closely tied to the history and development of the local parishes. Their presence in the area by 1700 highlights a long tradition of stability within the rural English social structure.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
orlePreservation, and protection in battle
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Quarterly, 1st, for Fulford, gu. a chev. ar.; 2nd, for Fitzurse, ar. a bend betw. three bears' heads erased sa.; 3rd, for Moreton, ar. a chev. betw. three moorcocks sa.; 4th, for Bilston, or, on a bend gu. three crosses formée ar.; 5th, for Bozom, gu. three birdbolts ar.; 6th, for St. George, ar. a lion ramp. gu. a chief az.; 7th, for Cantilupe, az. three leopards' faces jessant-de-lis or; 8th, for St. Albyn, erm. on a cross gu. five bezants; 9th, for Challons, gu. two bars and an orle of martlets ar”
DevonGreat Fulford · Devon, c. 1620
Where the Fulford Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Fulford arms are recorded
The Fulford arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of 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 Britain when the Fulford 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Fulford Family in England
The family name Fulford originates from a geographic location in England, specifically referring to a ford located near muddy or marshy ground. By the early seventeenth century, the family had firmly established itself in the county of Devon, where they became prominent landowners and local figures. Historical records confirm their presence in this region by 1620, though the name itself suggests even deeper roots tied to the rural landscape of the English countryside. The name likely began as a way to identify people based on where they lived, as families often took their surnames from the specific features of their home territory. Over many generations, the Fulfords became deeply integrated into the social and political fabric of Devon, maintaining their influence through the management of their estates and participation in local governance. Their long history in this part of England reflects a pattern of stability and regional connection that defined many landed families during the early modern period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fulla and Ford
A personal name meaning bountiful and a shallow river crossing.
This name
FulfordRefers to a person living by a river crossing associated with a person named Fulla.
also spelled
Fulforde
Fulfordd
Fullford
Fulleford
Folforde
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Hoskins, W.G., Devon, 1954
The National Archives, Probate Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1700
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Registers of the Diocese of Exeter, 1700
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
orlePreservation, and protection in battle
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
