Map of England showing where the Barnwell arms are recorded
The Barnwell arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1620.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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 Barnwell 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Barnwell Family in England
The surname Barnwell is of locational origin, meaning it was originally taken from a specific place name rather than a trade or personal characteristic. The name likely derives from the Old English words "beorn," meaning a warrior or nobleman, and "wella," meaning a spring or stream. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Norfolk, England. Records from this era indicate that members of the Barnwell family were active participants in the local community during a time of significant social and religious change. As the family grew, they became part of the regional landscape, eventually contributing to the migration patterns that saw many English families move across the Atlantic to seek new opportunities in the American colonies.
Barnwell Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Beorn-wielle
Old English for warrior stream or brook
This name
BarnwellRefers to a person who lived near a stream associated with a warrior or nobleman.
also spelled
Barnewall
Barnewell
Bernwell
Related arms
Barnewallvariant spelling
Barnewellvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Norfolk Record Office, Parish Register Transcripts for the Diocese of Norwich, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
