Answer: No. There is no such thing as a 'coat of arms for a surname'. Many people of the same surname will often be entitled to completely different coats of arms, and many of that surname will not be entitled to a coat of arms at all. Coats of arms belong to individual persons, not to a family. For any person to have a right to a coat of arms they must either have had it granted to them or be descended in the legitimate male line from a person to whom arms were granted or confirmed in the past. So, if someone tries to sell you a "Fairhall Coat of Arms" they are just out to take your money! We haven't, as yet, been able to trace any members of the wider Fairhall family who would have been of high enough rank to have been granted a coat of arms.
We were very pleased to hear that Sir Allen Fairhall is being commemorated by the naming of FAIRHALL STREET in the new Molonglo Valley suburb of Coombs, Canberra, ACT. The gazettal was on 14 March 2013, Ref: DI 2013-28.
Coombs' development is well under way, with homes and townhouses available for purchase, and the area has been sensitively landscaped to create an open and yet green suburb. This suburb has many local amenities and is just a short drive from the Botanic Gardens.
Just outside of Maitland, New South Wales, the Maitland Owners and Trainers Association has a "Thoroughbred Training Track" (and what other type of track would you have with the Fairhall name on it?) that has been named Fairhall Park.
The track was named by the Association in honour of long time supporter Ronald Fairhall, following his death on 21 Aug 1995 at the age of 64 years. Ron was a son of Frank and Jessie Fairhall, and a keen supporter of the district racing industry for many years. His family history is recorded in these files. It would appear that the "Maitland Owners and Trainers Association" no longer exists, so future use and maintenance of the Fairhall Park track is in doubt.
Opened in 2001 by the development company, Australand, the Fairhall Estate at Kellyville is a part of the rapidly-growing area of Sydney known as the "North-West Sector". The Company receptionist was unable to tell me why the estate had been given that name, and when I visited early in 2008, the estate signage had been removed and there appears to be no remaining trace of the name in public view. All blocks were apparently sold, and the area is now fully developed with quality homes.
Goudhurst is a village in Kent, England, with a rich historical background, particularly noted for its involvement in the smuggling activities of the Hawkhurst Gang during the 18th century. This notorious gang operated from 1735 until 1749 and was infamous for its violent methods and confrontations with local residents.
Historical Context
The Hawkhurst Gang, led by figures like Thomas Kingsmill and William Fairall, engaged in smuggling luxury goods, which became increasingly lucrative as government taxes rose on imports. The local population initially supported smugglers due to the economic benefits they provided; however, the gang's brutal tactics eventually turned the villagers against them.
The Battle of Goudhurst
On April 21, 1747, Goudhurst witnessed a significant confrontation known as the Battle of Goudhurst. Local militia, organized by William Sturt, defended the village against an attack from the Hawkhurst Gang. The militia was well-prepared and managed to repel the gang's assault, resulting in casualties on both sides. This battle marked a pivotal moment in local resistance against smuggling gangs.
Aftermath and Legacy
Following their defeat, Kingsmill and Fairall were captured and tried. They were sentenced to death and executed in April 1749. Their bodies were displayed in gibbets as a warning to others involved in smuggling. Fairall's body was taken to Horsmonden, while Kingsmill's was displayed in Goudhurst.
Today, Goudhurst is remembered for this tumultuous period in its history. The village features historical markers and sites related to the events of the Battle of Goudhurst and the activities of the Hawkhurst Gang, which continue to attract interest from historians and tourists alike.
Sources (from perplexity.ai):