Map of England showing where the Herward arms are recorded
The Herward arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Herward 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Herward Family in England
The name Herward is rooted in Old English, originating from the combination of the words "here," meaning army, and "weard," meaning guardian. This suggests that the earliest people to carry the name were likely protectors or soldiers who held significant responsibilities within their communities. By the early 17th century, the family had established a firm presence in the county of Norfolk. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Herward family were living in this region during a time of great social and economic change in England. As landowners and local residents, they participated in the daily life of Norfolk, contributing to the agricultural and civic development of the area. Their history reflects the broader movement of families who settled in the English countryside and helped shape the local culture of the East Anglian region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hereweard
Old English elements meaning army and guardian or protector.
This name
HerwardA surname derived from the Old English personal name meaning guardian of the army.
also spelled
Harward
Hereward
Related arms
Harwardvariant spelling
Herewardvariant spelling
Hirwardvariant 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
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Register Transcripts, 1620
Ekwall, Eilert, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-names, 1960
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
