Map of England showing where the Highmore arms are recorded
The Highmore arms were recorded in Cumberland, c. 1620.
Cumberland was rough border country in the north-west, facing Scotland across a disputed line. Its families held land in return for keeping it defended, and men who fought carried shields of their own.
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 Highmore 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 Cumberland.
Origin & History of the Highmore Family in England
The surname Highmore is a topographical name that describes where a family originally lived. It is derived from the Old English words "heah," meaning high, and "mor," meaning a moor or open wasteland. This suggests that the earliest ancestors bearing this name likely resided on or near a prominent stretch of high, uncultivated land. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that the family was well-established in the county of Cumberland in Northwest England. During this period, the region was characterized by rugged terrain and remote settlements, which shaped the lives of the people living there. The Highmore family became part of the local social fabric of Cumberland, likely engaging in farming or trade within the isolated valleys and hills of the area. Over time, the name remained tied to this specific northern landscape, marking the family as long-standing residents of the English borderlands.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
heah and mor
Old English for high or tall and a tract of wasteland.
This name
HighmoreRefers to someone who lived on or near a high moor or elevated wasteland.
also spelled
Hymore
Highmoor
Hyghemore
Hyghmore
Related arms
Hyghmorevariant spelling
Athaelrecorded with Highmore, same area
Chafyrecorded with Highmore, same area
Chamberlaynerecorded with Highmore, same area
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, 1991
Smith, A.H., The Place-Names of Cumberland, 1950
Cumbria Archive Service, Kendal Archive Centre: Records of the Highmore family of Cumberland, 1620–1750
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
crossbowReadiness for battle and skill at arms
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
crossbowReadiness for battle and skill at arms
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
