A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Goodridge family of England.
Reg. 0002 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
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)
“Ar. a fess sa. in chief three crosses crosslet fitchée of the last”
DevonTotness · Devon, c. 1620
Where the Goodridge Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Goodridge arms are recorded
The Goodridge 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 England when the Goodridge 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 Goodridge Family in England
The surname Goodridge is rooted in the Old English language, originating from the personal name Godric. This name combines the elements "god," meaning good or divine, and "ric," meaning power or ruler. By the early 17th century, the family had established a strong presence in the county of Devon in South West England. During this period, the region was a hub for maritime trade and agriculture, providing a stable environment for families to grow and settle. Many individuals bearing this name were likely involved in the local wool trade or farming, which were the primary industries of the Devon countryside at the time. As the family expanded, they contributed to the local community life and helped shape the social fabric of the region long before many members eventually migrated to the American colonies.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Godric
Derived from Old English elements meaning god and ruler or power.
This name
GoodridgeA locational surname referring to a ridge of land belonging to a person named Godric.
also spelled
Gooderidge
Gudridge
Goodrich
Related arms
Goderidgevariant spelling
Goodrichvariant spelling
Blackhallrecorded with Goodridge, same area
Carewrecorded with Goodridge, 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 English Surnames, 1991
Hanks, Patrick and Hodges, Flavia, A Dictionary of Surnames, 1988
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills and other probate records, 1384–1858
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish registers of Devon, 1538–1900
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cross symbolChristian faith and service
