Map of England showing where the Purifoy arms are recorded
The Purifoy arms were recorded in Leicester, c. 1277.
Leicestershire was grazing country, and wool and cattle made steady money rather than spectacular fortunes. Steady money bought manors, and manors are what brought families into the registers.
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.
Edward I of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward I of England
1272–1307
Reigning in England when the Purifoy 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 Leicester.
Origin & History of the Purifoy Family in England
The family name Purifoy traces its roots back to the medieval period in England, with early records confirming their presence in the county of Leicestershire by the year 1277. The name itself is derived from the Old French phrase "pur et foi," which translates to "pure and faithful." This suggests that the name was likely a descriptive nickname given to an ancestor who was known for their integrity or religious devotion. During the thirteenth century, the family established themselves as landowners and members of the local gentry, integrating into the social fabric of the English Midlands. Over the following generations, they maintained a consistent presence in Leicestershire, often serving in administrative roles and participating in the local governance of their communities. Their history reflects the broader patterns of English families who rose to prominence through land ownership and long-standing ties to specific geographic regions.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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. three pairs of hands couped hand in hand ar”
Irelandc. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Purifoy arms are recorded
The Purifoy arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
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 I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Purifoy 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Purifoy Family in Ireland
The Purifoy family name has roots that stretch back to the mid-seventeenth century in Ireland, with documented evidence placing members of the family in Dublin as early as 1645. During this period, Ireland was experiencing significant political and social upheaval, which often influenced the movement and settlement patterns of families arriving from across the Irish Sea. The Purifoys were part of a wave of settlers who integrated into the administrative and social fabric of Dublin during a time when the city served as the primary hub for government and trade. As they established themselves in the capital, the family became part of the evolving landscape of seventeenth-century Irish society. Their presence in official records from this era suggests that they held a position of some stability, allowing them to navigate the complexities of life in a rapidly changing city. By rooting themselves in Dublin, the early Purifoys contributed to the diverse cultural history that defined the city during the middle of the 1600s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
pur et foi
Old French for pure and faith.
This name
PurifoyA locational surname derived from a place in Normandy, signifying one of pure faith.
also spelled
Purefey
Purifoy
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Nichols, John. The History and Antiquities of the County of Leicester. 1795
The National Archives. Curia Regis Rolls. 1277
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
handFaith, sincerity and justice
handFaith, sincerity and justice
