The crest on Plate 1, Crest 1 (Pl. 1. cr. 1.) is described as “An oak tree acorned on a mount, all proper” or “On a mount, vert, an oak tree, proper” or a variation thereof, consistently featuring an oak or other tree (apple, birch) growing out of a mount, often described as proper (natural colors) or vert (green).
📜 Associated Surnames
- Abercrombie (that Ilk, Scotland)
- Anketell (Shaftsbary)
- Berenger (England)
- Bosome (Cornwall)
- Byrch (Essex)
- Chambers (Irish)
- Fox (England)
- France (Scotland)
- Harries (England)
- Haskell (England)
- Hewlett (England)
- Hog (Newlistin)
- Hooley (England)
- Mowat, Bart. (of Ingleton)
- Span (England)
- Stroode of Carsw (England)
- Thoms (England)
- Wood (London, England)
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🌿 Crest Symbolism
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Oak Tree/Oak (Acorned/Fructed/Growing): The oak tree, often considered the “king of the forest” in British and Celtic lore, symbolizes strength, endurance, longevity, steadfastness, and ancient wisdom. When bearing acorns (“acorned” or “fructed”), it adds the meanings of fecundity, growth, prosperity, and potential for new beginnings. The “proper” coloration indicates natural colors (green leaves, brown wood/acorns).
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Mount (or Hill/Hillock): A mount (often vert, or green, as implied by “proper” and common usage) is a conventional heraldic representation of a hill, often denoting stability, a prominent geographic location connected to the family’s history, or a position of elevation.
🌟 General Symbolic Meanings
The overall meaning of the crest combines the enduring natural strength of the oak tree, firmly rooted on the mount, with the promise of future growth and prosperity inherent in its acorns. It suggests a family lineage that is strong, well-established (often connected to the land), and resilient, having the wisdom of age and the vitality of youth.