The Arms
of Henry Fairfax, 1st Baronet.
Sir William George Herbert Taylor Fairfax, 2nd baronet, spent a lot
of time (and money) trying to trace his great grandfather, Joseph
Fairfax. From his correspondence he traced several Joseph Fairfaxes
before he realised that his ancestor was Joseph Fairfax of Bagshot,
Surrey. This was confirmed from a pedigree produced by the College
of Arms received by William in 1874. Discovering this pedigree in
the family Archive Room enable me to add some information relating
to the family previously unknown. I hope to expand on this in a future
article. Included in the pedigree is the Coat of Arms illustrated
below which is in the Lyon Office in Edinburgh. It would appear to
have been conferred on Sir Henry Fairfax on receiving the baronetcy
in honour of his father’s Naval exploits, especially his involvement
in he Battle of Camperdown. The ships displayed obviously refer to
that battle and under the medal below the chevron is the semi-circular
legend, CAMPERDOWN.
Written in pencil
are the words, The Ramsay Fairfax Arms at Lyon Office, Edinburgh.”
This is surely incorrect as the pedigree is dated 1874 and the name
of Ramsay was not incorporated with Fairfax until 1876 when Sir William
inherited the Maxton estates on the death of his Aunt, Elizabeth Williamson
Ramsay.
If you are wondering
why the names ‘Herbert Taylor’ are included in Sir William’s
Christian names see my ‘Forage’ No. 44
Frank Storr
Frank
Storr.
Len Mullenger was a Sunday volunteer guide. Any comments
are welcome and can be sent to len@musicweb-international.com
