A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hareward family of England.
Reg. 6313 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
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. on a chief ar. three falcons' heads erased of the first”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Hareward Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Hareward arms are recorded
The Hareward 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 Hareward 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 Hareward Family in England
The name Hareward is rooted in Old English, originating from the words "here," meaning army, and "weard," meaning guardian. This combination suggests that the earliest ancestors were likely protectors or soldiers who held significant roles in their local communities. By the year 1620, records confirm that the family was well-established in the historic city of York. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religious life, and families like the Harewards were often involved in the local merchant guilds or the administrative work of the city. Living in such a prominent northern hub allowed the family to participate in the growth of the region during the early seventeenth century. While the name evolved in spelling over many generations, its meaning remained tied to the concept of a vigilant guardian.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hereweard
Old English elements meaning army and guardian or protector.
This name
HarewardA name denoting a guardian of the army or a defender of the people.
also spelled
Harward
Hereward
Harwood
Related arms
Harwardvariant spelling
Harwoodvariant spelling
Herewardvariant 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, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
