Map of England showing where the Lindsey arms are recorded
The Lindsey arms were recorded in Sussex, c. 1608.
Sussex had ironworks in its woods and good farmland on its downs. Both made money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names in the heraldic 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 Lindsey 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 Sussex.
Origin & History of the Lindsey Family in England
The surname Lindsey is a locative name, meaning it was originally taken from a specific place rather than a trade or personal trait. The name is derived from the region of Lindsey, which is a historic division of Lincolnshire in England. The name itself combines the Old English word for an island with the name of the local tribe, essentially meaning the island of the Lindis people. By the time the family established a presence in Sussex in 1608, the name had already spread across various English counties as people moved away from their ancestral homes to find work or land. These early families in Sussex were likely part of the growing movement of English citizens who settled into agrarian life during the early seventeenth century. As they moved, the spelling of the name often shifted to match local dialects, eventually settling into the common forms we recognize today.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. a fesse chequy ar. and az. betw. three mullets of the second”
MayoHollymount House · Mayo, c. 1645
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 Ireland showing where the Lindsey arms are recorded
The Lindsey arms were recorded in Mayo, c. 1645.
Mayo was poor western Irish country of bog and mountain, held by a small number of old families. Land changed hands rarely there, and families who held on appear 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Lindsey arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Mayo.
Origin & History of the Lindsey Family in Ireland
The history of the Lindsey name in Ireland is deeply connected to the shifting political landscape of the seventeenth century. While the name itself has roots in the Anglo-Scottish border regions, members of the family were firmly established in County Mayo by 1645. During this period, Ireland was experiencing significant upheaval due to the Irish Confederate Wars, which forced many families to navigate complex land ownership disputes and changing loyalties. The presence of the Lindsey family in Mayo at this time suggests they were part of a broader movement of settlers who integrated into the local social and economic fabric of the west of Ireland. Over the following decades, these families often adapted to the local culture while maintaining their distinct identity, eventually becoming a recognized part of the regional history in Connacht.
Lindsey Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Lindis-eg
Old English for the island or marshland of the Lindis people.
This name
LindseyDerived from a place name in Lincolnshire referring to a river island or marshy land.
also spelled
Lyndsey
Lindesey
Lyndesey
Related arms
Lindleysame arms
Lyndleysame arms
Linseysimilar arms
Lindesci, or Lindseyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Ekwall, Eilert, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names, 1960
The National Archives, Kew, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1608
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
