A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Worsley family of England.
Reg. 9104 · English, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st, ar. a chev. sa. betw. three falcons of the last, beaked, legged, and belled or; 2nd, ar. a chev. betw. three buckets sa.; 3rd, or, six annulets, three, two, and one sa.; 4th, az. on a bend or, a lion pass. in the dexter point ppr”
LancasterWorsley Mains · Lancaster, c. 1613
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Map of England showing where the Worsley arms are recorded
The Worsley arms were recorded in Lancaster, c. 1613.
Lancashire was divided among a great many small landed families, more than most northern counties. Estates were passed down whole rather than split up, so the same names hold the same ground for centuries in the records.
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 Worsley 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 Lancaster.
Origin & History of the Worsley Family in England
The family name Worsley originates from the historic township of Worsley, located in the county of Lancashire, England. The name is locative, meaning it was originally taken by individuals who lived in or near this specific settlement. By the early 17th century, the family had firmly established roots in the region, as evidenced by records confirming their presence in Lancaster by 1613. During this period, families often identified themselves by their place of origin to distinguish one another in growing communities. As the family grew and moved throughout Lancashire, the name became a permanent marker of their ancestral connection to the local landscape. This transition from a place name to a hereditary surname reflects the broader social patterns of the era, where geographic identity became a primary way for people to define their lineage and social standing.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Weorc-leah
Old English for a work or cultivation clearing in a forest.
This name
WorsleyRefers to a person who lived near a cultivated clearing or a place of work.
also spelled
Worseley
Worsely
Related arms
Worceleyvariant spelling
Workesleyvariant spelling
Worseleyvariant spelling
Cockerrecorded with Worsley, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ekwall, Eilert. The Place-Names of Lancashire. 1922
Farrer, William and Brownbill, John. A History of the County of Lancaster. 1906
Lancashire Archives. Lancaster Parish Church Records, PR 3052
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
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
lionCourage, strength and royalty
