The Balche or Balch Family Crest

John Balche, Sheriff of county Somerset, England, in 1392, had among his descendants George Balche or Balch (1536), whose second son, John, born in 1579, came over to America in 1623, with Captain Robert Gorges. We find his name amongst the Pilgrims settled at Salem in 1629. Another member of the same family, the Rev. Thomas Balch, emigrated to Annapolis, Md., before 1690. He was a direct descendant of Robert Everard Balch of St. Audries, county Somerset. From him descend the Balches, of Philadelphia, etc., etc. Sir Bernard Burke gives the arms we reproduce as belonging both to the Somersetshire family, at the present day, and to the Balches of North America. The Visitation of the Heralds, in 1623, confirmed the rights of the Balches of Horton, county Somerset, to bear coat-armor and to be styled gentlemen. In 1787 the elder branch was represented by the Rev. Edward Balch, J. P. of St. Audries, near Bridgewater, Somersetshire. It is said to be extinct since 1814.

Family

Balche or Balch

Motto

Ubi libertas, ibi patria.Over the shield, Where is liberty, there is my country.Not laws of man, but laws of God.Under the shield.

Blazon

Out Of A Ducal Coronet, Or, A Demi-Griffin: Proper.

Source

America Hereldica