A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hardey family of England.
Reg. 5197 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. on a bend engr. gu. a crescent betw. two leopards' faces of the first, a chief az. charged with three catharine wheels or”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Hardey Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Hardey arms are recorded
The Hardey 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 Hardey 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 Hardey Family in England
The surname Hardey is a variant of the more common name Hardy, which originated in medieval England as a descriptive nickname. It was typically given to someone who displayed a bold, courageous, or daring personality. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Hardey family were well-established in London. During this period, the city was a bustling center of trade and social change, making it a common destination for families seeking new opportunities. As the name spread through the city, it became associated with the growing merchant and artisan classes who helped shape the urban life of seventeenth-century England. The family name reflects a long history of individuals who were recognized for their strength of character, a trait that helped them navigate the challenges of early modern London.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hard
Old English adjective meaning brave, bold, or hardy.
This name
HardeyA locational or descriptive surname referring to a bold or courageous person.
also spelled
Hardie
Hardy
Related arms
Hardysimilar arms
Hardievariant spelling
Le Hardyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1620
London Metropolitan Archives, City of London Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheelFortune's turning, and the carter's trade
