A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bagley family of England.
Reg. 3972 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Ar. on a fesse betw. three martlets gu. as many plates”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Bagley Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bagley arms are recorded
The Bagley arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 Bagley 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 England.
Origin & History of the Bagley Family in England
The surname Bagley is of locative origin, meaning it was originally taken from a specific place name in England. Etymologists believe the name derives from the Old English words "bagge," referring to a badger, and "leah," which signifies a clearing or a meadow. This suggests that the earliest ancestors to bear the name likely lived near a woodland clearing frequented by badgers. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Bagley family were living in this region by 1620, placing them in a bustling trade center during a period of significant social and political change in England. As the family grew, they integrated into the local community, contributing to the development of York through their various trades and civic roles.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bacga
An Old English personal name meaning a bag or a sack.
This name
BagleyA clearing or meadow associated with a person named Bacga.
also spelled
Bageley
Bagleigh
Related arms
Bayleysame arms
Bageley, or Bagleyvariant spelling
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, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1610–1630
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
