The Ward 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 Ward
Ward (de la Warde / Le Ward) is an ancient English status and topographic surname derived from Old English weard (meaning "guard," "watchman," "keeper of the fortress," or "manorial administrator"). Establishing premier landed seats across Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, and Ireland (where branches rose to Viscounts Bangor), the House of Ward produced High Sheriffs, Barons Ward, military generals, and religious pioneers. Codified early in feudal administrative records, the name appears in the 1273 Hundred Rolls (Robert le Warde).
The symbolism of the Ward coat of arms
Visually pure and chivalric, the Ward coat of arms features a deep blue shield charged with a large central golden cross flory/moline bordered in white. In classical heraldry, the deep blue field symbolises loyalty, truth, and faith, while the central golden cross flory represents unyielding Christian devotion, salvation, chivalric duty, and knightly honor held secure. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a green dragon standing with wings displayed, serving as an iconic emblem of formidable watchfulness, ancient defense of territory, and acute vigilance over family domain. Below, the motto scroll displays Gardez la croix, translating from French to "Guard the cross." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was recorded in the Heralds' Visitations of Yorkshire and catalogued in Burke's Peerage.
Historical figures
Sir Seth Ward (1617–1689): Celebrated English mathematician, astronomer, and Bishop of Salisbury.
Lady Mary Ward (1585–1645): Famed English Catholic religious sister and pioneer of women's education in Europe.
General Artemas Ward (1727–1800): American Revolutionary War general and Member of the US House of Representatives.
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. ⚜️
