A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hardware family of England.
Reg. 6625 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. a chev. ar. betw. three hands erect, couped at the wrist of the second”
ChesterPeel · Chester, c. 1620
Where the Hardware Arms Were Recorded
Chester
Map of England showing where the Hardware arms are recorded
The Hardware arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families 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 Hardware 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Hardware Family in England
The surname Hardware originates from the historic city of Chester, where the family established a notable presence by the early seventeenth century. During this period, the name was closely associated with the merchant class and the local governance of the city. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Hardware family were active participants in the economic life of Chester, often serving in civic roles that helped shape the town’s development. The name itself likely evolved from a descriptive term used to identify individuals who worked with metal goods or operated as ironmongers. As these early ancestors became prominent citizens, they helped solidify the family name within the regional history of Cheshire. Their involvement in trade and public service provided a foundation for the family to remain a recognized part of the Chester community for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hard
Old English word meaning brave, hardy, or strong.
This name
HardwareAn occupational surname for a maker or seller of metal goods.
also spelled
Hardwarr
Related arms
Bromboroughsame arms
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hemingway, Joseph, History of the City of Chester, 1831
Morris, Rupert H., Chester in the Plantagenet and Tudor Reigns, 1893
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Records of the City of Chester: Assembly Books, 1603–1642
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
handFaith, sincerity and justice
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
handFaith, sincerity and justice
