A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Godbold family of England.
Reg. 7517 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. two bows strung in saltire or”
EssexHatfield · Essex, c. 1620
Where the Godbold Arms Were Recorded
Essex
Map of England showing where the Godbold arms are recorded
The Godbold 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 Godbold 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 Godbold Family in England
The surname Godbold is rooted in Old English origins, derived from the personal name Godbeald, which translates to "bold in God." By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Essex, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Godbold family were active in this region during a time of significant social and religious change. As landowners and local inhabitants, they participated in the agricultural and community life that defined rural Essex. Their history reflects the broader patterns of English families who maintained deep ties to their local parishes and contributed to the development of their home counties over many generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Godbald
Derived from the Germanic elements for god and bold or brave.
This name
GodboldA surname of Old English origin signifying a person who is bold or courageous in spirit.
also spelled
Godbolt
Godbald
Godbalt
Related arms
Curlerecorded with Godbold, same area
Fecherrecorded with Godbold, same area
Gossiprecorded with Godbold, same area
Graverecorded with Godbold, same area
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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Essex Record Office, Quarter Sessions Rolls (Q/SR), 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
