The crest on Plate 7, Image 5 (Pl. 7. cr. 5.) is described as a lion passant (walking, usually with the right forepaw raised), sometimes charged with various marks of difference (such as a crescent, mullet, or trefoil) depending on the specific family branch.
Surnames Associated with this Crest:
- Auncell (England)
- Barley (England)
- Beaumont (Suffolk, Leicestershire)
- Belon (England)
- Booth (Cheshire, Dunham Massey)
- Boothe (England)
- Bramhall (Chester, London)
- Brant (England)
- Bree (Kent)
- Brett (Devonshire)
- Brewse (England)
- Bromhall (London, Chester)
- Bruce (England)
- Bruce (Earl of Ailsbury, Scotland)
- Bryden (Scotland)
- Coxhead (England)
- Depham (England)
- Fairfax (Yorkshire)
- Fitz Payne (Gloucestershire)
- Garritte (Ellington, Durham)
- Grace (Huntingdonshire, Wiltshire, Somersetshire)
- Greseley (England) [Bart.]
- Haggerston (Durham, Haggerston Castle)
- Halket (England)
- Herle (Cornwall)
- Kendall (King’s Bridge, Devon)
- Ketland (England)
- Lemon (Bart of Carclew, Cornwall)
- Muckle (Scotland)
- Nicholas (England)
- Paynell (England)
- Philibe (England)
- Rome (England)
- Slingsby (Scriven, Yorkshire)
- Staple (England)
- Sterling (Hertfordshire)
- Stirling (Glorat, Banks, Scotland)
- Strange (London, Lancashire)
- Strangewayes / Strangeways / Strangewiche (Yorkshire, Dorsetshire, Lancashire)
- Urswicke (England)
- Wake (England)
Symbolism of the Crest
Lion Passant: The lion is the king of beasts and one of the most common and noble charges in heraldry. When depicted as passant (walking with the right forepaw raised), it symbolizes resolution, prudence, and steady progress. It suggests a leader who is not merely ferocious (rampant) but is calm, dignified, and moving forward with purpose. The specific colors (tinctures) often modify the meaning; for example, Azure (blue) represents truth and loyalty, while Gules (red) signifies warrior-like martyrdom and military strength.
General Symbolic Meanings
The lion passant is a quintessential symbol of sovereignty and command. It implies that the bearer possesses the strength and courage of the lion but tempers it with the wisdom to move deliberately. It is often associated with families of high standing or those who have held authority, indicating a lineage that values majesty, courage, and a watchful, guarding nature over their domain.