Spencer Family Crest mug

The Spencer 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 Spencer

Spencer (Despenser / Le Despenser) is an illustrious ancient Anglo-Norman grandee noble surname derived from Old French despensier (an official steward or controller of royal household supplies). Arriving in England during the 1066 Norman Conquest under Robert le Despenser, the House of Spencer rose to supreme royal aristocracy as Earls Spencer of Althorp, Earls of Sunderland, and Dukes of Marlborough. The dynasty exercised immense political and cultural power over British history, producing Prime Ministers (Sir Winston Churchill) and Princess Diana of Wales.

The symbolism of the Spencer coat of arms

Visually complex and royal, the Spencer coat of arms features a shield partitioned quarterly in red (gules) and argent / silver or white, with the 2nd and 3rd red quarters charged with golden fretwork (fretty or). Charged overall across the field is a broad black diagonal band (bend sable) bearing three silver scallop shells or escallops. In classical heraldry, the red and silver quarters symbolise martial courage, sacrifice, sincerity, and peace, while the golden frets denote interlocked unity and strength. The black diagonal bend with three silver scallop shells signifies knightly sashes of honor, holy pilgrimage, sea voyages, and high noble standing. Positioned above the shield, a steel knight's helmet in profile with visor closed rests atop the field, symbolising chivalric honor and martial defense. The crest above displays a silver griffin's head erased with spread wings issuing from a golden crown. Below, the motto scroll displays Dieu defend le droit, translating to "God defends the right." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was recorded in the Heralds' Visitations of Northamptonshire and catalogued in Burke's Peerage.

Historical figures

Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales (1961–1997): World-famous humanitarian, cultural icon, and member of the British Royal Family.
Sir Robert Spencer, 1st Baron Spencer of Wormleighton (1570–1627): English nobleman recorded as the wealthiest man in England.
George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer (1758–1834): First Lord of the Admiralty and famed bibliophile.

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. ⚜️