A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Harward family of England.
Reg. 8256 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Chequy or and az. on a bend gu. three eagles displ. of the first”
WorcesterWorcester, c. 1620
Where the Harward Arms Were Recorded
Worcester
Map of England showing where the Harward arms are recorded
The Harward arms were recorded in Worcester, c. 1620.
Worcestershire was orchard and farming country with a scattering of old manors. Its gentry were middling rather than great, but a manor was a manor, and holding one was what brought 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 Harward 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 Worcester.
Origin & History of the Harward Family in England
The surname Harward is an ancient English name that likely originated as a descriptive term for a guardian or a keeper of a herd. It is derived from the Old English words "here," meaning army, and "weard," meaning guard, which together suggest a family with a long history of military or protective service. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Worcester. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Harward family were active participants in the civic and social life of this region during a period of significant transition in English history. As the family grew, they became deeply integrated into the local community, often serving in roles that required both responsibility and public trust. This early connection to Worcester highlights how the family name evolved from a functional job title into a permanent identity passed down through generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hereweard
Old English elements meaning army and guardian or protector.
This name
HarwardA locational or occupational surname derived from an ancient guardian of the army.
also spelled
Harwood
Hereward
Related arms
Harewardvariant spelling
Harwarevariant 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. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, Worcester City Records: Quarter Sessions and Civic Papers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
