Map of England showing where the Hursey arms are recorded
The Hursey arms were recorded in Hertford, c. 1620.
Hertfordshire lay just north of London and filled with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate within a day's ride was the usual next step, and an estate brought arms with it.
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 Hursey 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 Hertford.
Origin & History of the Hursey Family in England
The name Hursey is rooted in the English landscape, with historical records confirming that members of the family were established in the town of Hertford by 1620. During the seventeenth century, Hertford served as a vital market town and a center for local government, which likely provided the family with opportunities for trade and community involvement. The name itself is thought to be a variation of older English surnames derived from specific locations, often referring to a person who lived near a wooded hill or a clearing. As the family settled into life in Hertfordshire, they became part of the growing demographic of English citizens who helped shape the local economy and social structure of the region during the early modern period. By maintaining a presence in this area, the early Hursey family contributed to the long-standing history of the county, leaving behind a legacy that is still tied to the geography of southeastern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hurst
A wooded hill or a thicket.
This name
HurseyA topographical name for someone who lived near a wooded hill or a thicket.
also spelled
Hurss
Hursce
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, Hertford St Andrew Parish Registers, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
