A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Goldsworthy family of England.
Reg. 6643 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. on a bend cotised sa. three martlets or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Goldsworthy Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Goldsworthy arms are recorded
The Goldsworthy 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 England when the Goldsworthy 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 Goldsworthy Family in England
The surname Goldsworthy is a locative name, meaning it originally identified people by the place where they lived. It is derived from the Old English words for gold and a farm or enclosure, suggesting that early ancestors likely resided near a prosperous or yellow-hued field. While the name is most famously associated with the southwestern counties of England, historical evidence confirms that members of the family were established in the city of York by 1620. During this period, families often moved to major urban centers like York to pursue trade, craftsmanship, or administrative roles within the bustling merchant guilds. These early Goldsworthy settlers integrated into the local community, contributing to the city’s growth as it served as a vital hub for northern commerce and social life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Goldsworthy
Derived from the Old English personal name Gold and the word worth.
This name
GoldsworthyRefers to an enclosure or homestead belonging to a person named Gold.
also spelled
Goldsworthey
Goldswurthy
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
