A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barwell family of England.
Reg. 5428 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Erm. on a chief az. a talbot's head couped ar. collared gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Barwell Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Barwell arms are recorded
The Barwell 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 Barwell 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 Barwell Family in England
The surname Barwell is of English origin and is classified as a locational name, meaning it was likely adopted by individuals who lived in or near a place called Barwell. The name itself is derived from Old English words that describe a spring or a stream located near a boar enclosure. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Barwell family were living in this region by 1620, a time when York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration. During this period, families often settled in specific urban centers to pursue roles in commerce or local governance, and the Barwells became part of the social fabric of the city as it navigated the political changes of the early Stuart era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
baer-wella
Old English for a boar and a spring or stream.
This name
BarwellA habitational name referring to a stream or spring frequented by wild boars.
also spelled
Barwill
Related arms
Bearwellvariant spelling
Campionrecorded with Barwell, same area
Gumars, or Gunasrecorded with Barwell, same area
Luardrecorded with Barwell, same area
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., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
