English: Nourse coat of arms, used by various branches of the family in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, as well as in America (specifically Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.). Officially granted by letters patent on 27 May 1629 to John Nourse of Chilling Place, in Oxfordshire, Esq., son of John Nourse of Milton Keynes, in com. Bucks, by William Segar, Garter Principal King of Arms.

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Blazon: Gules a Fess between two Chevrons Argent with a Crest of an Arm embowed vested Azure cuffed Argent grasping in the hand a snake vert environed around the Arm.

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In the Herald's Visitation of Herefordshire of 1683 the same Arms are shown with a Crescent for difference and the crest shows a naked arm entwined by a serpent. An extensive pedigree headed by Walter Nourse of Weston under Penyard in Herefordshire is shown.

There is a handwritten note in the College of Arms copy of the manuscript which is of interest in that it shows the connection between the families of Nourse of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire:

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As to the Arms, Richard Nourse of Chilling Place in Com. Oxon Esq. deceased son and heir of John Nourse gent deceased son and heir of Richard Nourse gent. long since deceased who bore of right from his Ancestors Gules a Fess between two Chevrons Argent declares that Walter Nourse of Porters Place in the parish of Newent in Com. Glos Esq., is younger son to Walter Nourse of Weston-under-Penyard in Com. Heref. gent younger son to Richard Nourse great grandfather of the certifier. And that of consequence he is to bear his Arms with the proper difference. Given under his hand and seal 12 May 1640.

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