Thomas Family Crest Rocks Glass

The Thomas Family Crest on a classic rocks glass. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Splendidly suited for the moments that call for a proper toast. Whether it’s a gift for a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming, this piece is an instant heirloom.

The origin of the name Thomas

The surname Thomas is a patronymic name of ancient Aramaic and Greek origin, derived from the biblical personal name Ta'oma, which translates literally to "a twin." In Wales, hereditary surnames evolved from an ancient patronymic system where families were identified using "ap Thomas" (meaning "son of Thomas"). Following the implementation of the Laws in Wales Acts of 1535–1542 under the Tudor dynasty, Welsh families systematically converted these patronymic designations into permanent, English-style hereditary surnames, standardizing the spelling as Thomas. The surname became deeply rooted across South Wales, heavily driven by the prominent lineages expanding from Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.

The symbolism of the Thomas coat of arms

The Shield Color: The white background traditionally signifies peace, sincerity, and purity of purpose.

The Chevron: The central black structural band (sable) represents a roof-rafter or ridge-beam. In heraldic tradition, it denotes protection, architectural strength, and the successful completion of a significant work of faithful service.

The Three Cornish Choughs: Positioned two in chief and one in base, these black birds feature distinct red beaks and red legs. In traditional Welsh heraldry, the chough or raven is a major ancestral motif symbolizing strategic wisdom, sharp wit, and the role of a watchful guardian or protector of family lands. The black coloration (sable) denotes wisdom and constancy.

The Crest: A single matching Cornish chough standing on top of a knight’s helmet, reinforcing the themes of vigilance and ancestral guardianship.

The Motto: I Dduw bo'r diolch, which translates from Welsh as "Thanks be to God."

Historical records connected to the Thomas coat of arms

The earliest surviving records of this exact coat of arms are directly tied to the career of the celebrated Welsh military leader Sir Rhys ap Thomas (1449–1525):

The Battle of Bosworth Field (1485): Sir Rhys ap Thomas mobilized a powerful Welsh army that proved decisive in securing the victory of Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth Field on August 22, 1485, directly establishing the Tudor Dynasty on the English throne.

The First Physical Reference (1505 Garter Stall Plate): The earliest contemporary, physical reference confirming the design and description of this exact coat of arms is the official Garter Stall Plate dated 1505. Installed inside St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle when King Henry VII created Sir Rhys a Knight of the Garter, this intact brass plate explicitly records his arms as "Argent, a chevron between three Cornish choughs sable."

The Tomb Effigy Record: This identical shield configuration was carved into the early sixteenth-century stone monument and effigy of Sir Rhys ap Thomas following his death in 1525, which remains preserved today inside St. Peter’s Church in Carmarthen, Wales.

Burke's General Armory Codification: This exact design is officially recorded in Sir Bernard Burke’s master heraldic registry, The General Armory (p. 1006). To confirm its historical origin, the registry explicitly indexes and validates this chough-and-chevron shield under the direct historical entry designation "Thomas (tempore King Henry VII)", legally tying the arms to the late fifteenth-century reign of the first Tudor monarch and the military service of Sir Rhys.

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:

• Glass material

• Volume: 10.5 oz. (311 ml)

• Height: 3.4″ (8.64 cm)

• Diameter: 3.2″ (8.13 cm)
• Please hand-wash only. Not recommended for dishwasher or microwave use.

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.

Don't see your family name?

I’m always happy to add new crests to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️