A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Ponsford family of England.
Reg. 3989 · English, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
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. three escallops in fess sa. betw. as many lions ramp. gu”
EnglandExeter, c. 1710
Where the Ponsford Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Ponsford arms are recorded
The Ponsford arms were recorded in Exeter, c. 1710.
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.
Anne of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
Anne of Great Britain
1707–1714
Reigning in England when the Ponsford 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 Ponsford Family in England
The surname Ponsford is primarily associated with the southwestern region of England, particularly Devon, where it likely originated as a locative name. It is believed to describe someone who lived near a bridge used for crossing a ford, combining the Old English words for a bridge and a shallow river crossing. By the early 18th century, members of the family had moved beyond their traditional roots and established a presence in the historic city of York by 1710. During this period, families often migrated to major urban centers to pursue new trade opportunities or professional roles within the growing merchant class. This movement suggests that the Ponsford family was adaptable and willing to relocate to secure better economic prospects in a changing British society.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Pons-ford
A bridge crossing over a shallow river or ford.
This name
PonsfordDerived from a locational surname referring to someone living near a bridge at a river crossing.
also spelled
Ponsfurd
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Parish Register Transcripts for the City of York, 1710
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
lionCourage, strength and royalty
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
lionCourage, strength and royalty
