Map of England showing where the Parkar arms are recorded
The Parkar arms were recorded in Essex, c. 1537.
Essex lay close enough to London for City money to buy land there. Merchants who prospered moved out to estates within a day's ride, and a new landowner almost always wanted arms to go with the ground.
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.
Henry VIII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VIII of England
1509–1547
Reigning in England when the Parkar 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 Essex.
Origin & History of the Parkar Family in England
The history of the Parkar family in England begins with deep roots in the county of Essex, where records confirm their presence as early as 1537. During the sixteenth century, the name was often spelled in various ways, reflecting the phonetic nature of record-keeping before standardized English spelling existed. Families bearing this name were typically associated with the rural landscape, as the term itself likely described someone who worked as a keeper or overseer of enclosed lands, such as private hunting grounds or wooded parks. By settling in Essex, these early family members became part of a local community that relied heavily on agriculture and land management. Over time, the family established a consistent presence in the region, transitioning from their initial roles in land stewardship to becoming integrated members of the local parish systems. This early period in Essex serves as the foundational chapter for the family, marking their transition from individuals identified by their occupation to a recognized lineage within the English countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. a lion pass. gu. betw. two bars sa. the upper charged with two and the lower with one bezant”
DublinTuam · Dublin, c. 1667
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Map of Ireland showing where the Parkar arms are recorded
The Parkar arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1667.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in England when the Parkar 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 Dublin.
Origin & History of the Parkar Family in Ireland
The history of the Parkar family in Ireland is firmly rooted in the urban development of Dublin during the seventeenth century. While the name is often associated with English origins, records confirm that members of the Parkar family were established residents of Dublin by 1667. During this era, the city was undergoing significant social and economic shifts following the restoration of the monarchy. Families like the Parkars often integrated into the local merchant and administrative classes, contributing to the growing infrastructure of the capital. Their presence in the city during this time suggests they were part of the demographic movement that helped shape Dublin into a major center of trade and governance. By living in the heart of the city, these early family members navigated a period of rapid historical change, leaving behind a legacy that reflects the evolving landscape of Irish society in the late 1600s.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
acornAntiquity and strength from small beginnings
Colours
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)
“Az. a chev. erm. betw. three acorns slipped or”
Walesc. 1647
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Map of Wales showing where the Parkar arms are recorded
The Parkar arms were recorded in Wales, c. 1647.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Denbigh.
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 Parkar 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 Wales.
Origin & History of the Parkar Family in Wales
The history of the Parkar family in Wales is deeply rooted in the social landscape of the seventeenth century, particularly within the historic town of Denbigh. By 1647, records confirm that members of the family were already established residents in this region, a time when Denbigh served as a significant administrative and military hub during the turmoil of the English Civil War. The name itself likely functioned as an occupational descriptor, identifying individuals who served as keepers or guardians of enclosed lands, such as deer parks or manorial estates. As the family integrated into the local community, they became part of the shifting demographic of North Wales, where they navigated the economic and political changes of the post-medieval period. Their presence in Denbigh suggests a connection to the town’s development as a center for trade and local governance, reflecting the broader movement of families who settled in Welsh market towns to establish roots and pursue livelihoods during this era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
parc
An enclosed area of land or a park.
This name
ParkarAn occupational surname for a person who worked as a park keeper or gamekeeper.
also spelled
Parkar
Parkor
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
The National Archives, Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 12 Part 1: January-May 1537
Essex Archives Online, Archdeaconry of Essex, Wills and Administrations
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Hanks, Patrick and Hodges, Flavia, A Dictionary of Surnames, 1988
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
escutcheonA shield within a shield, and a claim inherited
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
acornAntiquity and strength from small beginnings
