A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Sherrard family of England.
Reg. 8467 · English, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a chev. gu. betw. three torteaux, quartering, 1st, HUBARD, Ar. on a bend sa. nine annulets interlaced in threes or; 2nd, HELWELL, Erm. on a chev. sa. three bezants, a border engr. gu.; 3rd, BROW, Gu. on a chev. ar. three roses of the field; 4th, WOODVILLE, Ar. a fess and canton conjoined gu. a border sa. bezantée”
RutlandWhitsondyne · Rutland, c. 1619
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Map of England showing where the Sherrard arms are recorded
The Sherrard arms were recorded in Rutland, c. 1619.
Rutland is the smallest English county, but its land was good and its manors were held by families of standing. A small county with good land still produces its share of recorded 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 Sherrard 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 Rutland.
Origin & History of the Sherrard Family in England
The surname Sherrard is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname for a person with bright or shorn hair, likely derived from the Old English word "scir" meaning bright or clear. By the early 17th century, the family had established a significant presence in the county of Rutland, England. Records from 1619 confirm that members of the Sherrard family were well-settled in this region, particularly around the area of Stapleford. During this period, the family began to rise in local social standing, often serving in administrative roles and managing landholdings that helped solidify their influence within the English Midlands. This transition from local landholders to prominent figures in the community helped anchor the family name in the historical records of Rutland for generations to come.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Scir-heard
Old English words meaning bright or clear and brave or hardy.
This name
SherrardA locational or occupational surname denoting someone who was bright, bold, or a brave protector.
also spelled
Sherwood
Sherardes
Related arms
Sherarvariant spelling
Sherwoodvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Camden, William. Visitatio Comitatus Rotelandiae. 1619
The National Archives. Records of the Court of Chancery, C 2/JasI/S15/34
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
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
