A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Halse family of England.
Reg. 3746 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
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 fesse betw. three griffins' heads erased sa”
DevonKenedon · Devon, c. 1620
Where the Halse Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Halse arms are recorded
The Halse 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 Halse 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 Halse Family in England
The surname Halse originates from the historic county of Devon in South West England. The name is topographical, meaning it was likely derived from the Old English word "hals," which refers to a neck of land or a ridge. Families bearing this name were well-established in the region by the early seventeenth century, with records confirming their presence in Devon by 1620. During this period, the Halse family was deeply integrated into the local rural economy and social structure of the West Country. Many members of the family were involved in the agricultural life of the area, while others became prominent figures in local parish administration. Over time, the family expanded across the county, leaving a lasting mark on the landscape and history of Devon through their long-standing ties to the land and their active participation in community affairs.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
halh
Old English word meaning a nook, corner, or secluded valley.
This name
HalseRefers to someone who lived in or near a secluded hollow or corner of land.
also spelled
Halls
Related arms
Hallsvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Gover, J.E.B., Mawer, A., and Stenton, F.M., The Place-Names of Devon, 1931
Hoskins, W.G., Devon, 1954
The National Archives, Probate records of the Consistory Court of the Bishop of Exeter, 1532–1800
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
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
