Map of England showing where the Goswick arms are recorded
The Goswick arms were recorded in Bedford, c. 1620.
Bedfordshire was small, flat farming country close to London. Its manors were held by middling families rather than great ones, but a manor was a manor, and holding one brought 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 Goswick 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 Bedford.
Origin & History of the Goswick Family in England
The family name Goswick is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, likely originating as a locative surname derived from a specific place name. In the Old English tradition, such names often combined a personal identifier with the suffix "wick," which typically referred to a dairy farm, a specialized settlement, or a trading port. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Bedford, a historic market town in the county of Bedfordshire. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Goswick family were active participants in the local community during this period of significant social and economic change. As the family settled into the region, they contributed to the local fabric of Bedford, living through an era defined by agricultural growth and the shifting political climate of Stuart England. This early documentation in Bedford serves as a vital anchor for the family history, marking their long-standing connection to the English Midlands.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 bend gu. betw. two Cornish choughs sa. beaked and legged of the second, on a chief or, three mullets az”
Irelandc. 1639
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Map of Ireland showing where the Goswick arms are recorded
The Goswick arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1639.
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 I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Goswick 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 Goswick Family in Ireland
The Goswick family name has deep roots in the administrative and social landscape of seventeenth-century Ireland. By 1639, records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin, a city that served as the primary hub for English administration and trade during that period. The presence of the family in the capital suggests they were likely part of the growing class of merchants, civil servants, or landowners who moved to Ireland to support the expanding colonial infrastructure. As the century progressed, families like the Goswicks often integrated into the local economy, navigating the complex political shifts that defined life in Dublin. Their early history reflects the broader movement of people across the Irish Sea, marking them as participants in the urban development of a city that was rapidly becoming the center of Irish political and commercial life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gosewic
Old English elements meaning goose and dairy farm or settlement.
This name
GoswickA locational surname originating from a place where geese were raised or kept.
also spelled
Gostwyck
Gostwycke
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bedfordshire Archives, Bedford St Paul Parish Registers, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
horseReadiness to serve king and country
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
horseReadiness to serve king and country
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
