A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Heald family of England.
Reg. 4650 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bombOne who has faced a great siege
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 chev. betw. three bombs sa. fired ppr. as many bezants, a chief of the second”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Heald Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Heald arms are recorded
The Heald 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 Heald 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 Heald Family in England
The surname Heald is of English origin and is classified as a topographical name, which means it was originally used to describe the landscape where a person lived. The word comes from the Old English term "helde," which refers to a steep slope, a hillside, or a sheltered valley. People who lived on or near such terrain were often identified by this feature, eventually adopting it as a permanent family name. By the early 17th century, the Heald family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living in this historic area, likely working in local trades or agriculture typical of the region during that era. As the family grew, they spread from these northern roots, carrying the name across England and eventually to other parts of the world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Held
Old English word meaning a slope, hillside, or steep incline.
This name
HealdRefers to a person who lived on or near a steep hillside or slope.
also spelled
Held
Related arms
Feildenrecorded with Heald, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1620
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bombOne who has faced a great siege
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bombOne who has faced a great siege
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
