A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Musgrave family of England.
Reg. 9162 · English, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. on a pile per pale az. and gu. six annulets, or, for Musgrave; 2nd and 3rd, per bend or and az. a cross moline counterchanged, a chief paly of six of the first and gu., for Sagab”
EnglandMusgrave, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Musgrave arms are recorded
The Musgrave arms were recorded in Musgrave, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Musgrave 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 England.
Origin & History of the Musgrave Family in England
The Musgrave family name finds its roots in the northern regions of England, where it emerged as a locative surname derived from a specific place name. The name likely refers to a "mews grave," which historically described an official in charge of the king’s hawks or hunting birds. By the early 17th century, members of the family were firmly established in the city of York. Records from 1620 confirm their presence in this historic hub, where they participated in the social and professional life of the region. As the family grew, they became deeply integrated into the local community, transitioning from their origins in the northern countryside to becoming notable figures within the urban landscape of Yorkshire.
Musgrave Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Mous-grave
A marshy grove or a ditch located near a wooded area.
This name
MusgraveAn occupational or habitational name for someone living near a wooded ditch or marshy grove.
also spelled
Musgraive
Musgreave
Related arms
Musgrovevariant spelling
Ballantinerecorded with Musgrave, same area
Ballentinerecorded with Musgrave, same area
Caserecorded with Musgrave, 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, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Yorkshire Parish Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
