Shropshire's Punning Heraldry - Forester and Forster

Forester and Forster

There are 13 entries in the Shropshire MS for the surname Forester and Forster, all of which feature a bugle horn stringed alluding to the stewardship of the forest. The bugle horn has historically served as a powerful symbol of forest stewardship, particularly in medieval England, where it was used as an instrument of conveyance to grant bailiwick (the office of a forest keeper or ranger).  The horn was not merely a musical instrument but a badge of office, signifying the keeper's duty to manage hunting and preserve the forest's resources.

For the sake of simplicity I have chosen to ignore the well known arms of Cesil-Weld Forester, Baron Forester, and instead illustrated the arms of Forster of Watling Street & Sutton Madoc.

Arms: Quarterly per fess indented Argent and Sable in dexter chief and sinister base quarters a bugle horn Sable garnished & stringed Or (Edmonson and Visitations).

Crest: A talbot passant Argent collared Gules ringed, pinned and lined & nowed Or.  (Visitations)

The arms of Forster of Watling Street & Sutton Madoc.

The surname Forrester is of Anglo-Norman origin, arising as an occupational name for a forest officer, woodman, or keeper of a lord’s hunting ground. Derived from the Old French forestier, it was used in medieval England and Scotland from the 12th century, with strong historical ties to land stewardship and nobility. 

The Forster surname is primarily a North English and German occupational name meaning "forester," designating someone who managed, guarded, or lived in a woodland, often for royalty.