The Simmonds Family Crest mug. 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 origin of the name Simmonds
Simmonds is an ancient English patronymic surname meaning "son of Simon" (derived from Hebrew Simeon, meaning "he who hears" or "obedient listener," brought to Britain following the Norman Conquest and Crusades). Establishing landed estates across Gloucestershire, Surrey, and Berkshire, the House of Simmonds produced High Sheriffs, church canons, and pioneering agricultural leaders. Codified early in feudal records, the name appears in early medieval English administrative rolls.
The symbolism of the Simmonds coat of arms
Sharing the ancestral armorial bearings recorded for the Simmons and Simonds, lineages, this Simmonds coat of arms features a shield partitioned vertically down the middle (per pale) and counterchanged in radiant gold (Or) and black (Sable), charged with three trefoils or clover leaves. In classical heraldry, the contrast of gold and black symbolises generosity, elevation of mind, deep wisdom, dignity, and constancy under trial. The three golden trefoils represent perpetual faith, hope, spiritual vitality, and good fortune across generations.
Positioned above the shield, the crest displays an ermine in its white winter coat with a black-tipped tail (an ermine passant proper) walking across a green grassy mount. In its jaws, it holds a golden trefoil (or cinquefoil flower). In chivalric tradition, the ermine is a high-status emblem of purity, nobility, and unspotted honour—derived from the legendary belief that the creature would sooner perish than soil its pristine coat. The golden trefoil in its mouth signifies good fortune held with steadfast integrity.
The earliest recorded usage of this coat of arms and ermine crest traces to Tudor and Stuart gentry lineages in the late 16th and 17th centuries, including William Simonds, a royal household officer under Queen Elizabeth I. Physical representations survive across historic family silver, library bookplates, and estate architecture, most notably in a Victorian stained-glass window preserved at Audleys Wood House in Hampshire.
Historical figures
Sir Richard Simmonds (16th Century): Landed gentleman and magistrate in Gloucestershire.
Lady Elizabeth Simmonds (17th Century): Recorded gentlewoman and benefactor in Surrey estate rolls.
William Simmonds (18th Century): Agricultural pioneer and civic magistrate.
Product details
- High quality white ceramic mug with the family crest printed two sides
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.7″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.3″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
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. ⚜️
