Barker Coat of Arms (typescript with engraved arms)

A typewritten sheet. An engraved coat of arms appears at the top of the page: an ornate helm with flowing acanthus mantling, surmounted by a ducal coronet from which issues a griffin’s head (the crest); the shield bears a lion rampant surrounded by eight fleurs-de-lis arranged as an orle. A scroll beneath the shield carries the motto FIDE SED CUI VIDE, and below the scroll the family name Barker is engraved in blackletter script.

BARKER COAT OF ARMS

From Burke’s Heraldry. Fairbairn’s Crests and histories of the family.

Barker: Azure a lion rampant argent within an orle of eight fleur de lis or.

Crest: Issuant from a ducal coronet or, a griffin’s head proper.

Motto: “Fide sed cui vide.” (Have confidence, but see in whom you place it.)

This is one of the very distinguished old families of England whose history can be traced back to 1200 A.D. The early ancestral seat was at county Salop, England. Sir John Barker was a member of Parliament during the reigns of Charles II and James II. Other prominent members of the family in the early days were Sir William Barker, M.P. temp. Queen Anne and Sir Christopher Barker who was with Henry VIII at Calais. There have been many distinguished members of the family in America.

The lion was a favorite symbol in the blazoning of arms and showed great strength and fortitude. An “orle” meant a wreath or ring of the fleur de lis (the French national flower). This showed a French origin and followers of William the Conqueror at the time of the Norman Invasion. The crown showed a connection with nobility, and the griffin (an unconquerable monster) super strength. Azure (blue) denoted truth and sincerity. Or (gold) was for stainless honor. The leaves are for decoration only and have no meaning.