Map of England showing where the Ramsden arms are recorded
The Ramsden arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Ramsden 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 York.
Origin & History of the Ramsden Family in England
The surname Ramsden is a locational name that originated in the West Riding of Yorkshire, specifically derived from a valley or "den" belonging to a person named Hramn or a place frequented by wild rams. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York, where they were deeply integrated into the local merchant and civic communities. During this period, the Ramsdens were known for their involvement in the cloth trade, which was the primary engine of the regional economy. Their transition from rural landholders to influential urban figures reflects the broader social shifts in England as families moved toward growing trade hubs. By 1620, the name was well-recognized in official parish registers and legal documents, marking the family as established members of the Yorkshire gentry who played a consistent role in the administrative life of Northern England.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
ramLeadership and authority
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. a fess engr. or, below a rose in chief ar. and a ram's head erased in base ppr”
KerryCastle Carra · Kerry, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Ramsden arms are recorded
The Ramsden arms were recorded in Kerry, c. 1645.
Kerry was mountain and coast country in the far south-west of Ireland. Its land was poor and held by a few families for a very long time, and long unbroken holding fills a register.
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 Ramsden 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 Kerry.
Origin & History of the Ramsden Family in Ireland
The Ramsden family name originated in England, but its presence in Ireland is deeply rooted in the turbulent events of the seventeenth century. By 1645, members of the family were established in County Kerry, a region that saw significant social and political upheaval during the Irish Confederate Wars. During this period, families of English origin often settled in Ireland as part of broader colonial efforts to secure land and influence. The Ramsdens likely integrated into the local administration and agricultural life of Kerry, navigating the complex transition of power that defined the mid-1600s. While the name remains distinctively English in its etymology, its survival in the Irish landscape reflects the long history of migration and settlement that shaped the demographics of the province of Munster. Through the generations, these early settlers helped establish a lasting connection between their family lineage and the history of southwestern Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
ramm and denu
Old English for a male sheep and a wooded valley.
This name
RamsdenA topographical name for someone who lived in a valley frequented by rams.
also spelled
Ramsdon
Related arms
Blosserecorded with Ramsden, same area
Lynch-Blosserecorded with Ramsden, 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
Hey, David, Yorkshire West Riding: People and Places, 2004
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
ramLeadership and authority
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
ramLeadership and authority
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
