The crest on Plate 9, Image 4 (Pl. 9. cr. 4.) is described as an arm in armour embowed, brandishing a scymitar, cutlass, or sword.
- Abel (Essex)
- Amond (Scotland)
- Athil (England)
- Basnett (England)
- Bell (Scotland)
- Birrel (England)
- Bloor (England)
- Bloore (England)
- Buck (Hampshire)
- Bucke (Kent)
- Chambers (England)
- Chiney (England)
- Crewker (England)
- Cripps (England)
- Crips (England)
- Dickson (Kilbuckie)
- Donald (Scotland)
- Donnelly (Ireland)
- Elyard (England)
- French (Lord Ashtown)
- Graham (Westmoreland)
- Hardie (Scotland)
- Henry (Derby)
- Kennedy (Ireland)
- Kirke (Essex)
- Leslie (Earl of Leven and Melville)
- Linesley (England)
- M’Coul (Scotland)
- M’Cubbin (Scotland)
- M’Gregor (Scotland)
- M’Hardie (Scotland)
- M’Kellor (Scotland)
- Macdougall (Lorn)
- Millward (England)
- Oakeley (Shrewsbury)
- Oakley (Shrewsbury)
- Rawlins (England)
- Rice (Ireland)
- St Amond (Scotland)
- Stratford (Earl of Aldborough, Ireland)
- Stratford (Coventry, England)
- Tregose (England)
- Trench (Lord Ashton, Ireland)
- Tuffnall (Middlesex)
- Wall (Ireland)
- Wingate (Scotland)
Symbolism of the Crest
Arm in Armour: An arm clad in armor signifies a person with qualities of leadership and protection, one who is prepared for battle and maintains a state of readiness. It represents strength, protection, and military prowess. Embowed: The bent position of the arm suggests action and the moment of striking. Scimitar / Cutlass / Sabre: These curved swords often denote military honor, particularly in Eastern campaigns (Crusades) or naval engagements (cutlass). They symbolize the execution of justice and the bravery required to defend one’s kin and country.
General Meaning
Together, the armored arm and the curved sword suggest a family history rooted in martial prowess and defense. It implies an ancestor who was a “man of action,” potentially involved in the Crusades or naval defense, possessing the strength to protect their own. The inclusion of “church and spire” for the Donnelly surname (listed under the same plate number) typically symbolizes religious faith, sanctuary, and spiritual elevation, standing as a stark contrast to the martial nature of the sword crests.