Map of England showing where the Pilcher arms are recorded
The Pilcher arms were recorded in England, 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 Pilcher 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 Pilcher Family in England
The surname Pilcher is an occupational name that originated in medieval England. It is derived from the Old English word "pilche," which referred to a garment made of animal skin or fur. Historically, a pilcher was a person who made or sold these specialized outer garments, which were essential for warmth during the cold winters of the time. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Pilcher family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York served as a major center for trade and craftsmanship in Northern England. The presence of the family in such a prominent city suggests that they were likely integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes, contributing to the city’s economy through their specialized tailoring skills. Over the following centuries, the family name spread from these urban centers into the surrounding rural regions, maintaining its connection to the history of English trade.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
pilche
A garment made of animal skin or fur.
This name
PilcherAn occupational name for a maker or seller of fur-lined outer garments.
also spelled
Pylcher
Pilchier
Pylchier
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
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
