A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hardcastle family of England.
Reg. 7671 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Sa. on a chev. betw. three castles ar. as many leopards' faces gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Hardcastle Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Hardcastle arms are recorded
The Hardcastle 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 Hardcastle 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 Hardcastle Family in England
The surname Hardcastle is a locational name that originated in Northern England, specifically within the historic county of Yorkshire. The name is derived from Old English words that describe a fortified dwelling or a stone building situated on a rugged piece of land. By the early seventeenth century, the family had firmly established roots in the city of York, where records from 1620 confirm their presence as active members of the local community. During this period, families with this name often worked as tradespeople or landowners who helped shape the growing economy of the region. Because the name is tied to the specific geography of the Yorkshire dales and the city of York, it reflects a long-standing connection to the northern landscape that has persisted for several centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Heard and Castel
Old English for a firm or strong fortified building.
This name
HardcastleRefers to someone who lived near a strong or hardy stone fortress.
also spelled
Hardcastell
Hardcastel
Hardcastill
Related arms
Senhouserecorded with Hardcastle, 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
Smith, Albert Hugh, The Place-Names of the West Riding of Yorkshire, 1961
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
lionCourage, strength and royalty
