Barnes Family Crest framed artprint

The Barnes 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 Barnes

Barnes is an ancient locational and topographic surname of English and Anglo-Norman origin, derived either from the Old English bern, meaning a granary or barn, or from the medieval town of Barnes in Surrey. It was also used topographically to designate one who resided near or managed a prominent manorial barn. Introduced across England following the 1066 Norman Conquest, the lineage established influential seats in Lancashire, Durham, Essex, and Surrey, appearing in early feudal rolls including the 1198 Pipe Rolls of Surrey and the 1273 Hundred Rolls of Norfolk (Philip de Bernes).

The symbolism of the Barnes coat of arms

Visually striking and rich in chivalric meaning, the Barnes coat of arms features a silver shield charged with a bold red saltire (Saint Andrew's cross) bearing five gold rings (annulets), surrounded by black ermine spots. In classical heraldry, the silver shield denotes peace and purity of purpose, while the red cross represents courage, resolve, and military fortitude. The five gold rings symbolise fidelity, nobility, and endless strength, while the ermine spots denote high judicial purity and royal distinction. Positioned above the helm, the crest displays a blue wild boar standing, an ancient emblem of fierce bravery, hospitality, and unyielding fortitude. This armorial layout is officially catalogued in Burke's General Armory (1884) for Barnes of Durham and Essex, and recorded in Fairbairn's Book of Crests.

Historical figures

Joshua Barnes (1654–1712): Eminent English scholar, classicist, and Regius Professor of Greek at Cambridge University.
Dame Juliana Berners / Barnes (b. 1388): Noble English prioress and author who wrote foundational works on heraldry and hawking in The Boke of Saint Albans.
Julian Barnes (b. 1946): Acclaimed contemporary English novelist, essayist, and Booker Prize winner.

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.