A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gutteridge family of England.
Reg. 3998 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 cross gu. betw. four mullets pierced sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Gutteridge Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gutteridge arms are recorded
The Gutteridge 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 Gutteridge 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 Gutteridge Family in England
The surname Gutteridge is a topographic name that originated in medieval England. It likely described someone who lived near a specific type of water channel or a small bridge, as the name combines roots related to water and paths. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Gutteridge family were living in this northern hub during a time of significant social and religious change. As residents of York, these early ancestors would have navigated a city defined by its Roman foundations and its importance as a center for trade and governance. Over time, the name spread from these urban roots into the surrounding countryside, evolving in spelling as it moved through different regions of the country.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gode-ric
Old English elements meaning good and ruler or powerful.
This name
GutteridgeDerived from a personal name meaning good ruler, often associated with a valley or ridge.
also spelled
Guttridge
Gutteredge
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
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.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cross symbolChristian faith and service
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
