A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Salisbury family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 5239 · English, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 lion ramp. ar. betw. three crescents or”
LeicesterRavenston · Leicester, c. 1619
Where the Salisbury Arms Were Recorded
Leicester
Map of England showing where the Salisbury arms are recorded
The Salisbury arms were recorded in Leicester, c. 1619.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Salisbury 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 Salisbury Family in England
The surname Salisbury is a locative name, meaning it originated from people who lived in or near the city of Salisbury in Wiltshire. During the medieval period, as people began to move away from their birthplaces to seek new opportunities, they often kept the name of their home town as a way to identify themselves to others. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Leicester. Records from 1619 confirm that members of the family were settled in this region, participating in the local community and social structures of the time. This migration from the southern parts of England toward the Midlands reflects the broader patterns of movement that defined English history during the transition from the Elizabethan era to the Stuart period. As the family integrated into Leicester, they contributed to the local labor and civic life that helped shape the town into the bustling center it eventually became.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
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. a lion ramp. ar. crowned or, betw. three crescents of the second”
Irelandc. 1593
Where the Salisbury Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Salisbury arms are recorded
The Salisbury arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1593.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Salisbury 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 Salisbury Family in Ireland
The Salisbury family name first appeared in the historical record of Ireland during the late sixteenth century, specifically within the bustling urban environment of Dublin. By 1593, individuals bearing this surname were established in the city, likely arriving as part of the broader movement of settlers and merchants from England during the Tudor period. At this time, Dublin served as the primary administrative and commercial hub for the English Crown in Ireland, making it a natural destination for families seeking new opportunities in trade or government service. While the name itself originates from the city of Salisbury in Wiltshire, England, its presence in Dublin suggests that these early family members were part of a growing network of people who helped shape the city’s social and economic life during a time of significant political change. Over the following decades, the family became integrated into the local landscape, transitioning from new arrivals to residents who contributed to the evolving identity of the Irish capital.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Searoburg
Old English for a fortified place or stronghold.
This name
SalisburyRefers to a person originating from the city of Salisbury in Wiltshire.
also spelled
Salesbury
Salsbury
Related arms
Salesburyvariant spelling
Salusburyvariant spelling
Beaumontrecorded with Salisbury, same area
Boclandrecorded with Salisbury, same area
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. Visitation of the County of Leicester in the year 1619. Reference: MS 1431
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
lionCourage, strength and royalty
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
