Baldwin Family Crest framed artprint

The Baldwin Family Crest framed artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.

The origin of the name Baldwin

Baldwin is an ancient personal and family name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements bald (bold or courageous) and wine (friend or protector), carrying the noble meaning "bold friend." Introduced to Britain during the 1066 Norman Conquest by Flemish followers of William the Conqueror—whose wife, Queen Matilda, was daughter to Count Baldwin V of Flanders—the surname established powerful manorial seats across Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Buckinghamshire. It was codified in early feudal registers including the 1198 Pipe Rolls of Shropshire and the 1273 Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire.

The symbolism of the Baldwin coat of arms

The Baldwin coat of arms is a magnificent work of medieval heraldry. Set upon a silver (argent) field, it is proudly charged with a bold black (sable) saltire (Saint Andrew's cross). In classic heraldry, the silver background denotes peace, sincerity, and purity of purpose, while the black saltire represents resolve, wisdom, and steadfast faith under trial. Positioned above the helmet, the crest displays a green (vert) dragon or wyvern gorged with a golden crown and chain. Below the shield, the motto scroll displays the French phrase Je n'oublierai pas, translating to "I will not forget." This specific armorial layout is officially catalogued in Burke's General Armory (1884) for Baldwin of Elsich and Stourport, and recorded in the 1569 Heraldic Visitation of Shropshire.

Historical figures

Baldwin of Forde (c. 1125–1190): Archbishop of Canterbury who accompanied King Richard the Lionheart on the Third Crusade.
Stanley Baldwin (1867–1947): 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley, prominent British statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom three times between 1923 and 1937.
James Baldwin (1924–1987): Acclaimed American novelist, essayist, and playwright whose seminal writings profoundly influenced the modern civil rights movement.

Product details

Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
Paper weight: 189 g/m²
Lightweight & acrylite front protector
Hanging hardware included

No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order

This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.

About the artist

Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.