Map of England showing where the Attwell arms are recorded
The Attwell arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1614.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Attwell arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Devon.
Origin & History of the Attwell Family in England
The surname Attwell is a classic example of a topographic name, which was given to people based on where they lived. In Middle English, the name literally means "at the well," suggesting that the original members of the family lived near a prominent local water source or a village well. By the early 17th century, the family had established a firm presence in the county of Devon, particularly in the southwestern region of England. During this period, families often took their names from natural landmarks to distinguish themselves from neighbors in small rural communities. The name evolved from these simple geographical descriptions into a permanent family identity that was passed down through generations. Records from 1614 confirm that the Attwell family was well-integrated into the local Devonshire landscape, likely working as farmers or tradespeople who relied on the local geography to define their place in society.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
aet-wielle
Old English for at the spring or stream.
This name
AttwellA topographic name for someone who lived near a water source or well.
also spelled
Attwelle
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Registers of Devon, 1614
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
