A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Spencer family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 4263 · French, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec., d'arg. plein, et de gu. à une frette d'or; à la bande de sa., br. sur les écartelures et ch. de trois coquilles d'arg., posées dans le sens de la bande. Cq. cour. C.: une tête de griffon d'arg., bq. d'or, coll. d'arg., bordé de gu.; entre un vol d'arg. S.: à dextre un griffon coupé d'arg. sur or, à sen. un dragon ailé d'arg., chacun orné d'un collier de sa. ch. de trois coquilles d'arg. et enchaîné de sa. D.: DIEU DÉFEND LE DROIT.”
Francec. 1603
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Map of France showing where the Spencer arms are recorded
The Spencer arms were recorded in France, c. 1603.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Henry IV of France
Sovereign of the period
Henry IV of France
1589–1610
Reigning in France when the Spencer arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Spencer Family in France
The origins of the Spencer name in France are deeply connected to the social and professional structures of the early seventeenth century. While the name is often associated with English history, records confirm that family members were established in the region of Bretagne by 1603. During this period, the name functioned as an occupational descriptor, likely derived from the Old French word *despensier*, which referred to an official in charge of a household’s food stores or pantry. Because these individuals managed essential supplies for noble estates or religious institutions, they often held positions of significant trust and administrative responsibility. By settling in Bretagne, these early family members integrated into the local economy, likely serving as stewards or clerks within the complex hierarchy of the French provincial administration. Their presence in the region highlights how families of that era moved across borders to apply their specialized skills in management and logistics to the needs of the French aristocracy.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Az. a fess erm. betw. six seamews' heads erased ar”
WarwickWarwick, c. 1504
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Map of England showing where the Spencer arms are recorded
The Spencer arms were recorded in Warwick, c. 1504.
Warwickshire lay in the middle of England, and its landed families were spread evenly across it rather than gathered in one corner. A great many held a single manor each, and each of those holdings brought its own claim to 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.
Henry VII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VII of England
1485–1509
Reigning in France when the Spencer 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 Warwick.
Origin & History of the Spencer Family in England
The surname Spencer originated as an occupational name derived from the Middle English word "dispenser," which referred to a person in charge of a household’s provisions or buttery. By the early sixteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in Warwickshire, particularly around the town of Warwick by 1504. During this period, the family began to transition from their roles as estate stewards into the ranks of the landed gentry. This shift was fueled by successful sheep farming and wool trading, which allowed them to acquire significant tracts of land across the English Midlands. As they consolidated their wealth, the Spencers became deeply integrated into the local administration and political life of the region, setting the stage for their long-standing influence in English society.
Spencer Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
dispensator
A Latin term referring to a steward or one who distributes.
This name
SpencerAn occupational surname for a household steward or an official in charge of provisions.
also spelled
Spencere
Spencerr
Spenser
Spensor
Related arms
Norreyssimilar arms
Norrissimilar arms
Backhouserecorded with Spencer, same area
Bellrecorded with Spencer, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France, 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B: Cours et juridictions
Archives départementales du Finistère, Série E: Familles, seigneuries et terres
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
