A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Radcliff family of England.
Reg. 6887 · English, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 bend engr. sa. a mullet for diff”
ChesterChester, c. 1620
Where the Radcliff Arms Were Recorded
Chester
Map of England showing where the Radcliff arms are recorded
The Radcliff arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families 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 Radcliff 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Radcliff Family in England
The surname Radcliff is a locational name that originated in England, derived from the Old English words "read" meaning red and "clif" meaning a steep slope or bank. This suggests that the earliest members of the family likely lived near a prominent cliff or riverbank characterized by red soil or stone. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of Chester. Records confirm that members of the Radcliff family were living in this historic walled city by 1620, where they were integrated into the local community during a period of significant growth and trade. As a family rooted in the geography of the English landscape, their name serves as a lasting connection to the specific terrain where their ancestors first settled and built their lives.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
read and clif
Old English for red and a steep slope or riverbank.
This name
RadcliffRefers to a person who lived near a prominent red-colored cliff or steep riverbank.
also spelled
Radclyffe
Radclyf
Related arms
Bassackrecorded with Radcliff, same area
Brownerecorded with Radcliff, same area
Harringtonrecorded with Radcliff, same area
Lefevrerecorded with Radcliff, same area
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
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Bishop's Transcripts for the Diocese of Chester, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
