The Walter 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 Walter
Walter is an ancient Germanic and Anglo-Norman noble personal name and surname derived from Waldhar (composed of Germanic wald, meaning "rule" or "power," and hari, meaning "army" or "warrior"—thus "powerful ruler of the army"). Introduced to Britain during the 1066 Norman Conquest, the House of Walter established premier seats across Norfolk, Warwickshire, Devon, and Ireland (where Theobald Walter became Chief Butler of Ireland, founding the Butler dynasty). Members rose to high standing as High Sheriffs, founders of national newspapers, and parliamentary leaders. Codified early, the name appears in the 1273 Hundred Rolls (Walterus filius Silvestri).
The symbolism of the Walter coat of arms
Visually pure and regal, the Walter coat of arms features a deep blue shield charged with a broad argent / silver or white horizontal band (fess) bearing three golden six-pointed stars (mullets), set between two golden lions walking (lions passant guardant: one in chief, one in base). In classical heraldry, the deep blue field symbolises loyalty, truth, and faith, while the silver fess represents a knightly sash of honor and unblemished judicial purity. The three golden six-pointed stars signify celestial guidance, divine illumination, and high intellect, while the two golden lions represent supreme courage, royal favor, and vigilant protection of family domain. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a striking plume of blue and silver feathers issuing from a golden crown, symbolising noble elevation and light. The formal recognition of this coat of arms was recorded in the Heralds' Visitations of Warwickshire and catalogued in Burke's Peerage.
Historical figures
Theobald Walter (12th Century): 1st Chief Butler of Ireland and founder of the noble House of Ormonde.
Lady Lucy Walter (c. 1630–1658): Welsh gentlewoman and mother of James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth.
John Walter (1738–1812): Famed English publisher and founder of The Times newspaper in London.
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. ⚜️
