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One of the most ancient of the several coats of arms of the English
family of Waller is
that described as follows (Burke, General Armory, 1884):
Arms.--"Sable, three walnut leaves or, between two bendlets
argent."
Crest.--"On a mount vert a walnut tree proper, on the sinister side
an escutcheon
pendent, charged with the arms of France viz., azure, three fleurs-de-lis
or, with a label
of three points argent."
Motto.--"Hic fructus virtutis", meaning, "This is the
fruit of
valour".
Both families
(The Stafford County and Spottsylvania County) claim descent from the
distinguished
soldier of Agincourt, Sir Richard Waller, who there captured the French
General, Charles,
Duke of Orleans, who afterward became the King of France. Sir Richard
entertained his
captive at his home in Kent for twenty-four years, awaiting ransom. Through
his kind
treatment, a warm friendship sprang up between them and after the Duke
returned to France
he (the Duke) caused to be rebuilt the somewhat decayed Waller mansion at
Groomsbridge.
He also requested the Knight to assume as his crest in remembrance of
him, a tree in
full leaf, bearing on one of its branches a shield displaying the
Fluer-de-lis, the Arms
of France.
Description of Coat-of-Arms: To the former bearing of the family
consisting of "a
shield sable; three walnut leaves, or, between two bandlets, argll- -an
addition was
assigned by Henry V of England, to Sir Richard, in honor of his heroic
achievements, viz.:
"A walnut tree proper; on the sinister side, an escutcheon pendant,
charged with the
arms of France (3 fleurs-de-lis), with a label of three points white, and
the motto
"Hic fructus virtutis."
Villare Cantium and as appears from a manuscript at the Herald's
office.