A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Avenell family of England.
Reg. 3516 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. six annulets ar”
DerbyNetherhaddon · Derby, c. 1620
Where the Avenell Arms Were Recorded
Derby
Map of England showing where the Avenell arms are recorded
The Avenell arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1620.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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 Avenell 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Avenell Family in England
The family name Avenell has roots that stretch back several centuries into the history of England. While the name is often associated with the Norman period, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the town of Derby by the year 1620. During this era, families like the Avenells were often involved in the local trade and civic life of growing market towns. The name itself likely evolved from an old nickname or a descriptive term used to identify individuals in a small community. As the family settled in the Midlands, they became part of the local fabric of society, contributing to the development of Derby through their work and daily interactions. Over time, the spelling of the name shifted slightly as it was passed down through generations, yet it remained a distinct identifier for those living in the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Avenel
Derived from the Old French place name Avenelles in Normandy.
This name
AvenellAn occupational or habitational name referring to someone who came from the village of Avenelles.
also spelled
Avenall
Avenal
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby St Alkmund Parish Registers, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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ringFidelity, and a promise kept
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
