An Index to the Pedigrees and Arms Contained in the Heralds' Visitations and other genealogical manuscripts contained in The British Museum ... By Richard Sims.  - 

BALLARD of Dewchurch 1545. fo. 79. Visitations for Herefordshire 1545.

The fullest record of the patent mentions that the family had previously borne arms but “does not” refer to a decent from WILLIAM BALLARD March King of Arms. (Herald).

Sable a griffin ermine gorged with a crown Or, beak and forelegs of the last.  Crest, On a wreath argent and sable a demi griffin ermine beak and forelegs Or supporting a broken lance proper, mantled gules doubled argent.

There is no mention of Ballard's in the Herefordshire Visitations, which is peculiar as there is a description of a Ballard Coat of Arms at Queens, Oxford as follows :-

"This arms and crest is now confirmed to JOHN BALLARD of Much Dewchurch, Esquire, in the County of  Hereford, by Sir Gilbert Dethick ”, dated 1st January in the Reign of  Elizabeth 1557 Harlean Manuscript no. 5887.

Description

The Shield/Arms

Sable: The very first word always describes the colour (tincture) or metal of the shield. NOTE this is called a shield, NOT a crest. The crest is the device that sits on top of the shield (on a helmet in the full achievement). Sable represents the colour Black. Can signify, Constancy or Grief.

A Griffin: In heraldry, the griffin's amalgamation of lion and eagle gains in courage and boldness, and it is always drawn to powerful fierce monsters. It is used to denote Strength, Military Courage and Leadership. Griffins are portrayed with rear body of a lion, an eagle's head, with erect ears, and feathered breast, with forelegs of an eagle, including claws. The combination indicates a combination of intelligence and strength. The female griffin with wings is more commonly used as in this case.

Ermine: is a heraldic fur representing the winter coat of the stoat (white with a black tail). Many skins would be sewn together to make a luxurious garment, producing a pattern of Small black spots on a white field.

Gorged: means with the Neck collared, this signifies High Dignity.

Crown: Represents Royal authority when “Gorged” as above, and alludes to Royal or Noble Connections of the owner. 

NOTE “Crowns are ranked, the crown above appears to be “Ducal” and could imply a Ducal connection. Dukes are the closest and highest ranking peers of the king. Dukes were usually relatives of a sovereign family.

(The crown element usually has attached a chain or chain link signifying servant of that is not the case here so possibly denoptes Royal Blood).

Or: Gold

Beak and Forelegs of a “Griffin”.

 The Crest

Wreath Argent and Sable:  colours Silver and black.

Demi Griffin: the front part only.

Ermine: “as above” Small black spots on a white field.

Or: Gold.

Broken Lance Proper: refers to occupation and “proper” refers to its colour this signifies Honourable warrior or Valiant Knight.

Mantled Gules Double Argent:  The mantle originally was a representation of the piece of cloth that protected the helmet from the heat of the sun. “Gules” represents the colour “Red” and signifies, Warrior or Martyr; Military Strength and Magnanimity. “Argent” represents the colour “Silver” and signifies, Peace and Sincerity.

15 June 1369 Letters of attorney, (1) John Kesyng, chaplain. (2) Robert Lavender of Dewchurch. (1) makes (2) his attorney to deliver seisin to Richard Dewalle, chaplain, in all lands and tenements with the dominion thereof in Wormeton, iuxta Dewchurch of which said lands Thomas Hathewy, Richard de Bollesdon and William Hall, constables of Grosmont, Richard le Fyschere of Walton, and Kesyng, are feoffees. Given at Goodrich Castle, Friday after the feast of St. Barnabas, apostle, 43 Ed. III. 1 seal, black. [PRO. AD2/II/101].

10 December 1457 - (1) William ap Huy and Matilda his wife. (2) Walter Devereux Kn. William Herbert Kn., Walter Devereux esq., Lewis ap. Huy, son of William, Hugh Shelwicke, Hugh Ragon' clerk Walter Ragoh' Walter ap Huy and Robert ap Huy. All lands etc. in "Wormeton Sausey inxta Dewchurche Magna' as held by (1) by grant from Thomas Grey and Margaret his wife. To hold of the chief lord in fee by usual services. Witnesses: William Phippes, clerk, John ap Jankyn ap Huy, John ap Huy, John Ballard, John ap Rys. [PRO. AD2/II/111].

John Ballard of Yarkhill, Herefordshire, v John Buryton of Stoke Lacy, Herefordshire. Commission only 1516 [REQ 2/4/174].

John Ballard of the parish of Yarkhill, Herefordshire, v John Buryton: a messuage and lands in Yarkhill. 1516 [REQ 2/12/126].

Trail at London, Debt.  John Ballard of Dewchurch vs William Ruffyn of Enksey Berkshire, Husbandman. (1423d). [http://aalt.law.uh.edu/Indices/CP40Indices/CP40no1157Act.htm].

Trail at London, Debt. John Ballard of Dewchurch Yeoman vs William Smith of Abendon, Berkshire, In Holder. (1642f). [http://aalt.law.uh.edu/Indices/CP40Indices/CP40no1157Act.htm].

"This arms and crest is now confirmed to John Ballard of Much Dewchurch, Esquire, in the County of  Hereford, by Sir Gilbert Dethick ”, dated 1st January in the Reign of  Elizabeth 1557 Harlean Manuscript no.5887.

Will of John Ballarde of Much Dewchurch, Herefordshire

The seconde daie of March in the yeare of Our Lord god a thousande ffyve hundred the three score and three I John Ballarde of Much Dewchurch in the Dioces of Herefford sick in body and hole in mynde and perfecte in remembrance thanks be to allmightie god make my last testement and will in manner and fforme ffollowinge. Ffirst I bequeathe my sowle to Almighty God my maker and redeemer and my Bodie to be buried in the Church yarde of St Davids. Item: I bequeathe to the Cathedrall Churche of Heref XXd. Item: I bequeathe to Richard my sonne two Bullocks and two heifers in the keeping of Gwillm ab Eynan ap Llnn. Item I bequeathe to my ffyve daughters Jane, Rose, Johan, Margerie, and Katherine and everie of them two heifers. Item: I give to Alice my wife ffyve kyne and the Close called the Crossewaie Close and Close behinde the Barne so longe as she keep herself wedow. Item: I give to the maintenance of James my sonne to keepe him to schole ffyve pounds sterling. Item: I give to John my sonne my lease of the Byshopes House whom I make my sole executor of this my laste will and Testament and Mathew Webb oversea of the same and all my other Goodes and hous houlde to be devided by my said executor as he thinke the Beste Thies witnes being presente at the making of this my last will Thomas Hare, Doctor of Ffissicke Mathew Webb, Phillip Jenkin, Roger Webb, Katherine ap Morgan the wief of John ap Morgan, James Ballard and others. [13 Stevenson 1564 QUIRE 13: FOLIO 103B] Also. [PROB 11/47/160]. 27 April 1564. http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D956150

Burial of John Ballard 4th of Marche 1566 at Much Dewchurch (St Davids), Herefordshire, England.