A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Hesketh family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 8329 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bordureA difference between branches of one family
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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 bend sa. three garbs or, a chief az. thereon an eagle with two heads displ. ppr. all within a bordure erminois, quartering FLEETWOOD and BOLD”
LancasterNorth Meols · Lancaster, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Hesketh arms are recorded
The Hesketh arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1620.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in the records.
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 Hesketh 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 Lancaster.
Origin & History of the Hesketh Family in England
The Hesketh family name finds its deep roots in the historic county of Lancashire, where the family established a significant presence by the early seventeenth century. The name itself is locative, likely derived from the Old Norse words for a horse race or a fenced enclosure, suggesting that the family’s ancestors lived near a specific landmark or piece of land in the northern English landscape. By 1620, the Heskeths were well-entrenched in the social and administrative life of the region, often serving as prominent landowners and local officials. This era was a time of great transition in England, and families like the Heskeths played a vital role in managing the rural economy and maintaining the legal customs of their parishes. Their long-standing connection to Lancashire reflects the broader history of English families who built their influence through generations of stewardship over the same ancestral soil.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Or, on a bend sa. betw. two torteaux three garbs of the field, quartering BAMFORD and LLOYD”
DenbighGwyrch Castle · Denbigh, c. 1647
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 Wales showing where the Hesketh arms are recorded
The Hesketh arms were recorded in Denbigh, c. 1647.
Denbighshire was north Welsh country of hills and small estates. Land was held by a great many families rather than a few, and each holding brought its own claim to a coat 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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Hesketh arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Denbigh.
Origin & History of the Hesketh Family in Wales
The Hesketh family name has deep roots in the borderlands between England and Wales, with a significant presence established in the town of Denbigh by the mid-seventeenth century. While the name is often associated with the northern regions of England, the Heskeths who settled in Denbigh became integrated into the local Welsh administrative and social landscape during a period of great political upheaval. By 1647, records show that members of the family were active participants in the civic life of the town, navigating the complex loyalties of the English Civil War era. Their presence in Denbigh suggests a family that was mobile and capable of adapting to new environments, moving across regional boundaries to secure land and professional standing. Over time, these settlers became part of the local fabric, contributing to the historical record of a region defined by its unique blend of Welsh heritage and English administrative influence.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hesket
Old Norse words for hazel tree and a place of residence.
This name
HeskethA habitational name derived from a location in Cumbria characterized by hazel trees.
also spelled
Heskett
Hesketh-Fleetwood
Related arms
Heskettvariant spelling
Askerecorded with Hesketh, same area
Mandleyrecorded with Hesketh, same area
Maudleyrecorded with Hesketh, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Farrer, William and Brownbill, John, A History of the County of Lancaster, 1906
Ekwall, Eilert, The Place-Names of Lancashire, 1922
The National Archives, Records of the Duchy of Lancaster, DL series
Lancashire Archives, Hesketh of Rufford Collection, DDHE series
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bordureA difference between branches of one family
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bordureA difference between branches of one family
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
