A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Harpur family of England.
Reg. 8282 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. a lion ramp. and a bordure engr. sa”
WarwickChilvers Coton · Warwick, c. 1620
Where the Harpur Arms Were Recorded
Warwick
Map of England showing where the Harpur arms are recorded
The Harpur arms were recorded in Warwick, c. 1620.
Warwickshire lay in the middle of England, and its landed families were spread evenly across it rather than gathered in one corner. A great many held a single manor each, and each of those holdings brought its own claim to 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 Harpur 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 Warwick.
Origin & History of the Harpur Family in England
The surname Harpur is an occupational name that originated in medieval England, specifically referring to a person who played the harp. During the Middle Ages, traveling musicians were common figures in local communities, and the name was often given to those who provided entertainment at fairs, markets, or noble estates. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the town of Warwick. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Harpur family were living in this area, where they participated in the social and economic life of the region. Over time, the name transitioned from a description of a professional musician to a hereditary surname passed down through generations of families living in the English Midlands.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Harpe
A stringed musical instrument played by plucking.
This name
HarpurAn occupational surname for a professional harpist or minstrel who played the harp.
also spelled
Harper
Harpar
Harpor
Related arms
Harpervariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1997
Warwickshire County Record Office, Parish Registers of St Mary, Warwick, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
