A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Seldon family of England.
Reg. 5602 · English, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Az. on a fess betw. three swans' heads erased or, ducally gorged gu. as many cinquefoils of the last”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Seldon Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Seldon arms are recorded
The Seldon arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
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 Seldon 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 England.
Origin & History of the Seldon Family in England
The family name Seldon is rooted in the Old English language, likely originating from a combination of words meaning a willow tree and a valley or a small building. By the early 17th century, the name was firmly established in the historic city of York, England. Records from 1620 show that members of the Seldon family were active participants in the local community during a time of significant social and religious change in Northern England. These early ancestors were often tradespeople or landowners who helped shape the local economy of the region. Because York was a major hub for commerce and government, the family likely benefited from the city's status as a center for northern trade. Their presence in the city during this period suggests they were well-integrated into the fabric of English life long before the name spread to other parts of the world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Sele-dun
Old English words for willow tree and a hill or down.
This name
SeldonA topographical name referring to someone who lived on a hill where willow trees grew.
also spelled
Selden
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Probate Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
cinquefoilHope and joy
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
swanGrace, light and the poet's art
cinquefoilHope and joy
