Category: Plate 5

The crest on Plate 5, Image 12 (Pl. 5. cr. 12.) is described as a demi-talbot rampant, ducally gorged. While the general image is used for several families, the specific coloration you requested (sable [black] with a or [gold] coronet) is explicitly linked to the Purefey family.

Surnames:

• Aber (England) 
• Drummond (Hawthornden) 
• Purefey (England) 
• Thomason (England) 

Symbolism of the Crest

Talbot: The talbot is a medieval hunting hound, now extinct, which is the ancestor of the modern bloodhound. In heraldry, it is a premier symbol of courage, vigilance, and unwavering loyalty. It was often used to signify a faithful guardian or a skilled hunter. Demi-Rampant: The “demi” (half) figure in a “rampant” (rearing up) pose signifies readiness for action and vitality. Ducally Gorged: Being “gorged” means wearing a collar. A ducal coronet used as a collar does not necessarily denote the rank of a Duke; rather, it is often a symbol of high favor, nobility, or the subduing of a fierce nature through noble discipline. Sable (Black) & Or (Gold): The black fur represents constancy and prudence, while the gold collar signifies generosity and elevation of mind.

General Symbolic Meanings

The combination of the faithful talbot and the noble coronet suggests a lineage that prides itself on loyal service and honorable conduct. The hound implies a readiness to hunt or defend, while the gold coronet collar suggests that this energy is disciplined and directed by noble authority or high moral standards. It paints a picture of a “faithful guardian” who serves with distinction.

Plate Number and Description The crest on Plate 5, Image 11 (Pl. 5. cr. 11) is described as a yew tree growing out of a mount semée of (strewn with) trefoils, proper. Other families sharing this plate number depict the tree as a Poplar tree.

Surnames Associated with this Crest

• Cocket (England)
• Grandson (England) 
• Kenning (England) 
• Shackleton (England) 
• Shakleton (England) 

Symbolism of the Crest

• Yew Tree: The yew is a symbol of immortality, resurrection, and longevity, due to its evergreen nature and immense lifespan. It is historically associated with ancient sacred sites and endurance through time.

• Poplar Tree: In heraldry, the poplar can symbolize strength and stability, often associated with the motto “Arbor vitae” (Tree of life).

• Mount: The hillock or “mount” represents a firm foundation, land ownership, or a high station.

• Trefoils: The trefoil (three-leaved plant) symbolizes perpetuity and duration. When the mount is “semée” (strewn) with them, it suggests an abundance of these qualities or a fertile, flourishing estate. It also carries associations with the Holy Trinity.

General Symbolic Meaning This crest represents a lineage rooted in antiquity and resilience. The combination of the enduring tree (Yew or Poplar) with the abundance of trefoils suggests a family that has withstood the test of time, possessing a strong foundation and a hope for everlasting continuity and growth.

The crest on Plate 5, Crest 10 (Pl. 5. cr. 10) is described as a fish, gules (red). Variations on this plate also describe the fish as a trout or garvie fish, usually in a naiant (swimming) position.

Associated Surnames

• Blamore (England) 
• Corbally (England)
• Fisher (England) 
• Hoddy (England) 
• Hody (England)
• Penrose (Melhela, Cornwall) 

Symbolism

Fish: The fish is a profound heraldic symbol often representing Christianity, charity, and a generous mind, stemming from early Christian iconography. In a secular context, it frequently denotes a connection to the sea, fishing rights, or maritime achievements. Gules (Red): The red color symbolizes military fortitude, magnanimity, and martyrdom, suggesting a family willing to spill blood for their country or faith. Naiant: Depicted horizontally as if swimming, this posture signifies vitality and the active pursuit of one’s goals.

General Symbolic Meaning

Combined, the red fish suggests a lineage that perhaps gained its standing through maritime prowess or significant contributions to the church, characterized by a bold and lively spirit. It implies a heritage of abundance and a strong, active resilience in navigating the “waters” of life.

The crest on Plate 5, Image 9 (Pl. 5. cr. 9.) is described as a spur rowel (a rotating spiked wheel from a spur), appearing as a mullet of six points pierced.

Surnames associated with this crest:

• Belere (England)
• Bryson (Scotland)
• Brysoun (Scotland)
• Bryssan (Scotland)
• Bryssone (Scotland)
• Finlayson (England)
• Hardie (West-Hardie)
• Jardin (Applegith)
• Jardine (Scotland)
• Saunders (Scotland)
• Sym (Scotland)

Symbolism of the Crest Spur Rowel: In heraldry, the spur rowel is closely related to the Mullet (a star shape), but specifically represents the spiked wheel of a horseman’s spur. It symbolizes knighthood, readiness for action, and speed. Because the spur is an essential tool for a mounted warrior, it suggests a lineage prepared to “spur on” to great deeds or ride into battle at a moment’s notice. If viewed as a mullet (star), it can also denote divine quality or a third son in cadency marks, representing distinctiveness and guidance.

General Symbolic Meaning The spur rowel stands as a sharp and clear emblem of preparedness and discipline. It implies that the bearer possesses the driving force to execute their duties with dispatch and the noble standing associated with equestrian prowess. It is a symbol of incitement to virtue and the “prick” of conscience or duty that drives one forward.

The crest on Plate 5, Crest 8 (Pl. 5. cr. 8.) is described as a horse-shoe, usually depicted as proper (natural color) or azure (blue).

Surnames:

• Beckwell (England)
• Bekewell (England)
• Fermer (England)
• Fuller
• Gawayn
• Gewaine (England)
• Lesky

Symbolism of the Crest Horse-shoe: In heraldry, the horse-shoe is a traditional symbol of good luck and protection against evil spirits. It often denotes a family with a history of service involving horses, such as cavalrymen, farriers, or marshals, indicating utility and readiness. Proper: This term indicates the charge is shown in its natural color, typically a metallic iron-grey.

General Symbolic Meaning The horse-shoe suggests a lineage associated with good fortune and safe travels. It implies practical skills, a connection to equestrian activities, and a readiness to serve or protect, often serving as a talisman for the family’s prosperity.

The crest on Plate 5, Crest 7 (Pl. 5. 7. or Pl. 5. cr. 7.) is described as a bee upon the top of a thistle, all proper (or a thistle growing with a bee sucking the flower).

Surnames Associated with this Crest:

• Gardner (Scotland)
• Innes (Barton)
• Innes (Bainacrag) 
• Minnes (Edinburgh, Scotland) 

  Crest Symbolism

Thistle: The thistle is best known as the royal badge of Scotland and a symbol of defiance, endurance, and protection. In heraldry, it typically implies that the bearer, like the plant, cannot be touched or provoked with impunity (“Nemo me impune lacessit”). It can also represent pain and suffering leading to glory.

Bee: The bee is a universal symbol of efficient industry, creativity, and wealth accumulated through hard work. It represents a community-minded spirit, obedience to order, and sweetness (honey) resulting from diligent labor.

Proper: This term indicates that the charges are depicted in their natural colors (a green and purple thistle, a natural-colored bee).

General Symbolic Meaning

The combination of the bee and the thistle suggests a powerful balance between industry and defense. It implies a family that is hardworking and productive (the bee) but also capable of formidable defense if threatened (the thistle). It may also symbolize extracting “sweetness” or success from difficult or prickly situations, indicating resilience and the ability to thrive in harsh environments.

The crest on Plate 5, Image 6 (Pl. 5. cr. 6.) is described as a demi-lion rampant, brandishing or holding a scymitar (or sabre).

Surnames:

• Jeffery (England) 
• Kukefield (England)
• Loane (England)
• Meek (England) 
• Pender (Scotland) 

Symbolism

Demi-Lion: The lion is the most common beast in heraldry, traditionally symbolizing deathless courage, strength, and nobility. As a “demi” (half) figure, it retains these attributes, often representing a warrior spirit. Scimitar (or Sabre): A curved sword often associated with Eastern warfare, in heraldry, it generally symbolizes military honor, protection, and execution of justice. Holding the weapon aloft or brandishing it signifies a state of readiness for battle and a willingness to fight for one’s beliefs or sovereign.

General Symbolic Meaning

The combination of the lion and the scimitar suggests a powerful blend of natural ferocity and martial skill. It implies a lineage or individual character that is not only strong and brave by nature but also equipped and ready to take decisive action. It represents a “warrior spirit” that is both noble in intent and dangerous in defense, often adopted by families wishing to emphasize their readiness to defend their honor or country.

Plate Number and Description The crest on Plate 5, Image 5 (Pl. 5. cr. 5.) is described as a dexter hand couped, lying fessways, gules. Variations included in this grouping describe it as a hand couped in fess, or a dexter hand couped fessways.

Surnames Associated with this Crest

• Bree (England)
• Brandestou (England)
• Culliver (England)
• Hogg (Scotland)
• Witt (England)

Symbolism of the Crest

• Dexter Hand: The dexter hand (right hand) is a symbol of faith, sincerity, and justice. It is traditionally the hand used to give a pledge or take an oath.

• Couped: The term couped indicates that the hand is cut cleanly in a straight line, rather than erased (torn), suggesting a deliberate distinctiveness.

• Fessways: Lying fessways (horizontally) suggests a position of rest or placement, perhaps implying a hand resting upon an object to swear an oath or give a pledge.

• Gules (Red): The color gules signifies military fortitude, magnanimity, and a willingness to shed blood for one’s country or family.

General Symbolic Meanings The image of a red right hand implies a “bloody hand” or a hand of strong military resolve. While the “Red Hand” is famous in Irish heraldry, in this general context, a red hand lying fessways suggests a pledge of faith backed by martial strength. It signifies a lineage that is sincere in its promises and ready to defend them with force if necessary.

The crest on Plate 5, Image 4 (Pl. 5. cr. 4.) is described as a hawk or falcon, usually depicted “close” (perched with wings folded), often proper (natural colors), beaked and legged gold (or). Note: Some entries in the source text assign a stork or crane’s head to this plate number; these are noted in brackets.

Surnames:

• Allerton (Lancashire)
• Atherton (Lancashire)
• Belby (England)
• Blagrave (England)
• Boscawen (Cornwall)
• Bowes (England)
• Fate (Scotland)
• Fythey (Arbroath)
• Graham (Scotland)
• Hady (England)
• Hay (Earl of Errol)
• Hay (Ballinkeele, Wexford)
• Knox (Ranfurleigh)
• Lacy (England)
• Paton (Kinaldy)
• Ralston (Scotland)
• Ridgeway (Devonshire)
• Rudhall (England)
• Rutall (England)
• Rythe (England)
• Williams (Devonshire)

Symbolism of the Crest Hawk / Falcon: The falcon is a widely recognized symbol of one who does not rest until they have achieved their objective, signifying eagerness, keen vision, and hot pursuit. Close / Perched: When the bird is depicted “close” (wings folded), it suggests a state of repose, dignity, and readiness, indicating latent power and speed held in reserve. Belled: If the bird is depicted with bells on its legs (jessed and belled), it signifies a bird trained for the hunt, historically representing high station, nobility, and aristocracy, as falconry was a sport reserved for the upper classes.

General Symbolic Meanings The presence of a bird of prey in a crest generally implies a lineage associated with bold action, authority, and a readiness to strike when necessary. The imagery suggests an individual or family that values alertness and quick reflexes, yet maintains a composed and dignified exterior. It speaks of a heritage where sport, specifically the noble art of falconry, played a role in daily life or social standing.