Bradley Family Crest mug

A Bradley Family Crest mug makes a thoughtful gift for any family celebration. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Eminently suited for a proper brew! Whether it’s a gift to mark a milestone birthday, a new home, or Christmas morning — here’s an artwork with history in your hands. 

The symbolism of the Bradley Coat of Arms

This rendition of the Bradley arms features traditional symbols representing honor, faith, and resilience. At the top and center of the shield are three black crosses formée fitchée. Historically associated with early crusader knights, these pointed crosses could be driven into the ground for prayer on the battlefield, symbolizing unshakeable faith and defensive valor.

The crosses flank an engrailed red fess—a horizontal band traditionally representing a knight's military belt or girdle of honor, awarded for significant acts of courage. The wavy, engrailed edges of the band signify land or earth, honoring ancestral territory and stewardship.

Perched on this central band and crowning the top crest is the golden martlet, a songbird of perpetual motion in traditional heraldry. Symbolizing swiftness, grace, and an enduring quest for knowledge, the bird holds a matching cross in its beak as an emblem of spiritual leadership. These elements rest against a background of silver, red, and gold, which traditionally signify peace, military fortitude, and elevation of mind.

Origins of the Bradley Name

The Bradley surname carries prominent roots across both English and Irish history. As an Anglo-Saxon locational name, it derives from the Old English words brād ("broad") and lēah ("meadow" or "clearing"), originally given to families who held or lived near expansive open pastures.

In Ireland, the name has an equally distinguished lineage, anglicized from the ancient Gaelic sept Ó Brolcháin (O'Brallaghan). This line originated in Counties Derry, Donegal, and Tyrone, and was highly celebrated for producing prominent medieval scholars, builders, and religious leaders.

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.

Product details

• High quality white ceramic mug
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.7″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.3″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
  
• Lead and BPA-free material (complies to US and EU safety standards)