The Foster 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 Foster
Foster is an ancient English occupational and official surname derived either from Old French forestier ("forester," keeper of royal hunting forests) or Middle English foster (foster-parent or foster-child). Heavily established across Northumberland, Yorkshire, and the Anglo-Scottish Border, Clan Forster/Foster served as Wardens of the Middle Marches, defending border castles including Bamburgh Castle. Codified in early administrative rolls, the name appears in the 1379 Poll Tax of Yorkshire (Robertus Forster).
The symbolism of the Foster coat of arms
Commanding and forest-inspired, the Foster coat of arms features an argent / silver or white shield charged with a broad green chevron set between three golden hunting horns tied with red ribbons. In classical heraldry, the silver shield symbolises sincerity and peace, while the green chevron denotes connection to woodland estates, architectural defense, and vitality. The three golden hunting horns represent forest guardianship, high alertness, and noble sport. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays an arm in armor holding a broken tilting spear. Below, the motto scroll displays Si fractus fortis, translating to "If broken, still strong." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was recorded in the Heralds' Visitations of Northumberland and Yorkshire and catalogued in Burke's General Armory.
Historical figures
Sir John Forster / Foster (c. 1520–1602): English Border Warden and Governor of Bamburgh Castle under Queen Elizabeth I.
Lady Elizabeth Foster, Duchess of Devonshire (1758–1824): Famed English aristocrat, society leader, and cultural patron.
Birket Foster (1825–1899): Celebrated English landscape painter and illustrator.
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.
Don’t see your family name?
I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️
