Map of England showing where the Spicer arms are recorded
The Spicer arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1273.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of 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.
Edward I of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward I of England
1272–1307
Reigning in England when the Spicer 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Spicer Family in England
The surname Spicer emerged in medieval England as an occupational name for a person who dealt in spices, herbs, and medicinal goods. During the thirteenth century, the spice trade was a highly specialized profession that required significant knowledge of imported goods from across the globe. Records indicate that members of the Spicer family were well-established in the county of Devon by 1273. At that time, these individuals were often respected members of the merchant class who played a vital role in local commerce and town life. Because spices were expensive and rare commodities in the Middle Ages, those who traded in them held a position of relative importance within their communities. Over time, the family name became firmly rooted in the landscape of southwestern England, reflecting the transition of the name from a simple job description to a permanent hereditary surname.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
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)
“Sa. a fess embattled betw. three lions ramp. or”
Irelandc. 1644
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Map of Ireland showing where the Spicer arms are recorded
The Spicer arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1644.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Spicer 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 Spicer Family in Ireland
The surname Spicer is an occupational name that originated from the medieval trade of a spice merchant. While the name has deep roots in England, it became established in Ireland during the seventeenth century as part of the broader movement of settlers during the Cromwellian era. Records confirm that members of the Spicer family were living in Dublin by 1644, likely drawn to the city by its role as a growing center for trade and administration. These early arrivals were often merchants or skilled tradespeople who integrated into the urban economy of the capital. Over time, the family name became firmly rooted in the social landscape of Dublin, reflecting the migration patterns and economic shifts that defined the mid-1600s in Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Species
Latin term referring to goods, wares, or specifically aromatic spices.
This name
SpicerAn occupational surname for a dealer in spices or a grocer.
also spelled
Spycer
Spyser
Related arms
Chamblaynsame arms
Spycersame arms
Bowserrecorded with Spicer, same area
Wiltshirerecorded with Spicer, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Hundred Rolls, 1273
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
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
