Map of England showing where the Richardson arms are recorded
The Richardson arms were recorded in Gloucester, c. 1588.
Gloucestershire had good farmland, a cloth trade in its valleys and a river carrying goods to Bristol. All three made money, and money bought the estates that brought arms with them.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Richardson 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 Gloucester.
Origin & History of the Richardson Family in England
The surname Richardson is a patronymic name, which means it was originally created to identify a person as the son of a man named Richard. This naming convention became common in England during the Middle Ages as the population grew and people needed more specific ways to distinguish themselves from their neighbors. By the late sixteenth century, the name was well-established across various English counties. Historical records confirm that members of the Richardson family were living in Gloucester by 1588. During this period, families in cities like Gloucester were often involved in local trade, agriculture, or the growing textile industry. As the name spread through different regions, it became a permanent fixture of English society, passed down through generations as a marker of ancestral identity.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
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. on a chief sa. three leopards' heads erased of the first, a crescent for diff”
Irelandc. 1617
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Map of Ireland showing where the Richardson arms are recorded
The Richardson arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1617.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Richardson 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 Richardson Family in Ireland
The surname Richardson arrived in Ireland primarily through the waves of English migration that occurred during the seventeenth century. While the name is of English origin, meaning son of Richard, it became firmly established in the social and political fabric of Dublin by 1617. During this period, individuals bearing the name often held positions as merchants, tradesmen, or minor officials within the city administration. These early settlers were part of a broader movement of people who moved across the Irish Sea to seek new economic opportunities in the growing urban centers of the island. Over time, the family integrated into the local community, and their presence in official records from the early 1600s highlights their role in the administrative development of Dublin during a time of significant transition.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bordureA difference between branches of one family
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bullValour and generosity
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Or, on a fess az. betw. a bull's head couped in chief sa. and a galley in base, her oars erected in saltire of the last, flags displ. gu. a saltire couped ar., for RICHARDSON, quartering, or, a fess chequy az. and ar. surmounted of a lion ramp. gu. armed and langued of the second, all within a bordure of the fourth, for STEWART, of Urrard; az. three garbs or, for CUMMING; ar. on a bend az. three buckles or, for LESLIE; gyronny of eight or and sa., for CAMPBELL”
HaddingtonPencaitland · Haddington, c. 1630
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Map of Scotland showing where the Richardson arms are recorded
The Richardson arms were recorded in Haddington, c. 1630.
Haddington, now East Lothian, was the best farmland in Scotland and lay close to Edinburgh. Good land near the capital stayed in the hands of families of standing, and standing brought 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 Scotland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Richardson arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Haddington.
Origin & History of the Richardson Family in Scotland
The surname Richardson is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of Richard. While the name appears across the British Isles, its presence in Scotland is deeply rooted in the Lowlands. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable foothold in the town of Haddington in East Lothian. Records from 1630 confirm that members of the family were active participants in the local community during this period. At that time, Haddington was a thriving center for trade and agriculture, placing the Richardsons within a region shaped by both urban commerce and the influence of the nearby Scottish capital. The family likely integrated into the social and economic life of the burgh through roles in local governance, craftsmanship, or land management. This early documentation in Haddington serves as a clear link to the family's long-standing history within the Scottish landscape.
Richardson Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Richard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning brave or strong ruler.
This name
RichardsonA patronymic surname signifying son of the powerful or brave ruler.
also spelled
Rychardson
Ricardson
Richerson
Related arms
Durhamsame arms
Rezerson, or Richardsonsimilar arms
Allenrecorded with Richardson, same area
Allyerecorded with Richardson, same area
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
The National Archives, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1588
Gloucestershire Archives, Gloucester City Records: Burgess Rolls and Guild Records, 1588
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
bordureA difference between branches of one family
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bullValour and generosity
shipEnterprise, and a great voyage undertaken
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
buckleFidelity, and a bond firmly held
