A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Greensmith family of England.
Reg. 7662 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Vert on a fesse or, betw. three doves close ar. beaked and legged gu. each with an ear of wheat in the bill of the second, as many pigs of lead az”
DerbySteeple Grange · Derby, c. 1714
Where the Greensmith Arms Were Recorded
Derby
Map of England showing where the Greensmith arms are recorded
The Greensmith arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1714.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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.
Anne of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
Anne of Great Britain
1707–1714
Reigning in England when the Greensmith 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Greensmith Family in England
The surname Greensmith is an occupational name that originated in England during the Middle Ages. It was traditionally given to a metalworker who specialized in working with copper or brass, as these materials were often referred to as green metals due to the patina they develop over time. By the early 18th century, the family had established a notable presence in the town of Derby. Records from 1714 confirm that members of the Greensmith family were active in the local community during this period, likely contributing to the town’s growing reputation for craftsmanship and trade. As the Industrial Revolution began to take shape in the Midlands, families like the Greensmiths were often involved in the skilled labor and manufacturing sectors that defined the region. Their history reflects the broader movement of families who transitioned from traditional rural trades into the developing urban centers of England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Grene and Smith
Green refers to grassy areas and smith refers to a metalworker.
This name
GreensmithAn occupational surname for a blacksmith who worked in a village green.
also spelled
Greensmyth
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing Endell, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby St Alkmund Parish Registers, 1714
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
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
