A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Halsted family of England.
Reg. 9856 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Gu. an eagle displ. erm. a chief chequy ar. and az”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Halsted Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Halsted arms are recorded
The Halsted arms were recorded in London, c. 1620.
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 Halsted 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 Halsted Family in England
The surname Halsted is of English origin and is classified as a locational name, meaning it was originally derived from a specific place. The name is composed of two Old English elements: "halh," which refers to a nook or a secluded hollow, and "stede," which means a place or a site. Together, these words describe a settlement located in a sheltered area. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in London, as evidenced by records from 1620. During this period, the name was often associated with families living in the northern counties of England, particularly Lancashire and Yorkshire, before members migrated toward the capital city to seek new opportunities in trade and commerce. As the family settled into London life, they became part of the growing urban population that helped shape the city during the reign of King James I.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Heald-stede
Old English for a sheltered place or a nook.
This name
HalstedRefers to someone who lived at a sheltered homestead or a nook of land.
also spelled
Halstead
Related arms
Hawstedvariant spelling
Jamesrecorded with Halsted, same area
Lydall, or Lyddallrecorded with Halsted, same area
Stamfordrecorded with Halsted, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, PROB 11
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
