A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Herschel family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8618 · Britain, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à une colline de sin., mouv. de la p. de l'écu, supp. le télescope de quarante pieds et son appareil, dirigé vers sen., le tout au nat.; au chef d'azur, ch. du symbole astronomique d'Uranus (♅) d'or, rayonnant du même. C.: une demi-sphère au nat., supp. une aigle de profil d'or, le vol levé. D.: COELIS EXPLORATIS.”
KentKent, c. 1838
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Britain showing where the Herschel arms are recorded
The Herschel arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1838.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain in this period.
Victoria
Sovereign of the period
Victoria
1837–1901
Reigning in Britain when the Herschel arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Herschel Family in Britain
The history of the Herschel name in Britain is most famously linked to the arrival of the German-born astronomer William Herschel, who moved to England in the late eighteenth century. While the family gained significant recognition through scientific achievements, their presence became firmly established in local communities like Kent by the early nineteenth century. By 1838, records show that members of the family were settled in the region, contributing to the social and intellectual life of the area. The name itself originates from the German word for a deer, reflecting a long history of European roots before the family integrated into British society. Over time, the Herschels transitioned from their origins as musicians and astronomers to becoming a respected part of the British professional class, leaving a lasting mark on both the scientific community and the local history of the counties where they resided.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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 mount vert a representation of the forty-feet reflecting telescope with its apparatus ppr. a chief az. thereon the astronomical symbol of Uranus, or the Georgium Sidus, irradiated or”
KentCollingwood House · Kent, c. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Herschel arms are recorded
The Herschel arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Britain when the Herschel 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Herschel Family in England
The history of the Herschel name in England begins with the arrival of family members in the county of Kent around 1620. During this period, the name was often associated with families of German or Central European descent who sought new opportunities across the English Channel. As these early settlers integrated into local life, they lived through a time of significant social and religious change in England. While the name is most famously linked to the later scientific achievements of William and Caroline Herschel, the early generations in Kent established the family as part of the local community long before the name became synonymous with astronomy. These pioneers helped lay the foundation for a lineage that would eventually move from quiet provincial life into the center of the British scientific establishment. By settling in Kent, the family became part of the diverse tapestry of immigrants who contributed to the evolving culture and economy of seventeenth-century England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hirsch
A German word meaning deer or stag.
This name
HerschelA diminutive form meaning little deer or young stag.
also spelled
Herrschel
Herschell
Herschl
Hershel
Hershall
Related arms
Herrschelvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Holmes, Richard. The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science. 2008
Lubbock, Constance A. The Herschel Chronicle: The Life-Story of William Herschel and His Sister Caroline Herschel. 1933
The National Archives, Kew. Census Returns of England and Wales, 1841. (Record series HO 107)
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
