The body that granted and recorded arms in Jersey in this period.
James II of England
Sovereign of the period
James II of England
1685–1688
Reigning in Jersey when the Barreau arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Jersey
Arms in the Channel Islands were granted and recorded by the College of Arms in London, under the same law of arms as England. They could be used by all legitimate descendants of the original owner: the eldest son kept the original design, and other family members used the same shield without registering a version of their own.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms for Jersey and the other Channel Islands 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 Jersey.
Origin & History of the Barreau Family in Jersey
The surname Barreau originates from the French language and is derived from the word barre, which refers to a bar or a gate. In early history, this name likely functioned as a topographic descriptor for a family living near a prominent barrier, a toll gate, or a fortified entrance. By 1688, members of the Barreau family were well-established on the island of Jersey, which is located in the English Channel. During this period, the island served as a unique cultural bridge between France and England. Many families with French roots settled in Jersey to maintain their traditions while living under the protection of the British Crown. These early settlers were often involved in maritime trade, agriculture, or local administration, helping to shape the distinct identity of the island's community over several generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Barre
Old French term for a barrier, gate, or defensive beam.
This name
BarreauAn occupational name for someone who lived near a gate or barrier.
also spelled
Barreaux
Barreo
Baro
Barre
Barro
Related arms
Barrevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Balleine, G. R., A Biographical Dictionary of Jersey, 1948
Jersey Heritage, Jersey Archive: St. Helier Parish Records, 1688
Messervy, J. A., Bulletin Annuel de la Société Jersiaise, 1897
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
squirrelPatience and foresight in gathering
squirrelPatience and foresight in gathering
