BROADHURST COATS OF ARMS

A Quick Look, by Dale R. Broadhurst
(with updates and Broaddus information by Warner R. Broaddus)


Reference links:
Description of the components of coats of arms
Pimbley's Dictionary of Heraldry
Broadhurst family history

 

BROADHURST COATS OF ARMS dating back at least to the 18th century may be found among those of the petty gentry, squires, and gentlemen of England. These come in two distinct varieties, the first of which appears to have been used among the Cheshire and/or Lancashire Broadhursts. The shield for these arms is shown to the right. It has a gules (red) field crossed by an argent (white/silver) fesse (bar). The fesse is countercharged by an azure (blue) chevron.

The crest for these arms is a mermaid holding a dagger in the dexter (right) hand. While this crest might be symbolic of nearly anything (eloquence, for example), it is tempting to associate its origins with one of the "mariner" Broadhurst families of Cheshire. The geometric insignia of the shield are of unknown origins but probably symbolize some aspect of the family at the time of issue.



Broadhurst Family Arms
(Cheshire and Lancashire)

 

A SECOND SHIELD DESIGN can be found on the arms used by some Broadhursts in Staffordshire and Derbyshire. These arms feature an azure shield emblazoned with an or (gold) fretty (slanted lattice) of eight raguly (ragged/notched) pieces. The earliest examples of these arms bear a lion's head crest. The later Broadhurst Lords of the Manors of Foston, Scropton, and Boylestone (Derbyshire) opted for a swimming swan atop their shield.


A THIRD DESIGN is referenced in this note from a Broadhurst correspondent:

"As regards coats of arms, you probably know that P H Reaney in British Surnames p.48 mentions arms which differ from the ones on your website viz.

Arms. Per chevron or and barry wavy azure and argent, in chief two roses gules.
Mantling. Azure and or.
Crest. On a wreath of the colours, a mermaid holding in the dexter hand a sword erect and in the sinister a comb all proper.
Motto. 'Toujours prêt' (= 'Always ready')."

 

SAMUEL BRADHURST, a gentleman planter of colonial Manhattan, bore yet another variation of the blue and gold Broadhurst arms. Although his shield design was that of the Staffordshire and Derbyshire Broadhursts, it was surmounted by a mailed fist holding a spiked club.

While Samuel Bradhurst may have inherited these arms from his Boston ancestors, it is more likely that he had the design drawn up by a local New York artist unskilled in heraldry details. This fact would explain an incorrectly depicted fretty on an early copy of his shield, as well as the Bathurst crest (probably misappropriated from a colonial pattern book). So, while it is unlikely that Samuel Bradhurst had any right to display this combination, it remains an interesting piece of early Americana.



Bradhurst Family Arms
(New York, 18th century)







Broaddus Family Arms

 

 BROADDUS and BROADUS are variants of the original Broadhurst name that appear in New York and in Virginia in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Note the similarities with the second Broadhurst design described above, as well as with the Bradhurst design. This design is most probably in fact the arms of the Staffordshire/Derbyshire Broadhursts. There is no evidence that the Broaddus family was granted a separate right to display arms.



Follow the link below for a detailed explanation of the elements of these arms.

The Broaddus Family Arms Explained

 

If you have any further information on Broadhurst or Broaddus blazons or crests (or if you have a tradition of using these arms in your own family) please write using the email address shown. I also would appreciate receiving notification concerning those current Broadhurst family members who have received the right to bear these arms in the United Kingdom. Send e-mail to: twrb2@yahoo.com