A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barwis family of England.
Reg. 1493 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. a chev. betw. three bears' heads couped sa. muzzled or”
CumberlandLangrigg Hall · Cumberland, c. 1620
Where the Barwis Arms Were Recorded
Cumberland
Map of England showing where the Barwis arms are recorded
The Barwis arms were recorded in Cumberland, c. 1620.
Cumberland was rough border country in the north-west, facing Scotland across a disputed line. Its families held land in return for keeping it defended, and men who fought carried shields of their own.
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 Barwis 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 Cumberland.
Origin & History of the Barwis Family in England
The Barwis family name has deep roots in the rugged landscape of Cumberland, England, where members of the family were firmly established by the early seventeenth century. The name is thought to have originated as a locational surname, likely derived from the village of Barwise near Appleby. During the 1600s, the family became prominent landowners and active participants in local governance within the border regions. Because this area was historically prone to conflict and shifting political loyalties, the Barwis family often played a significant role in maintaining order and managing local estates. Their presence in Cumberland during the year 1620 reflects a period of stability for the family, as they were well-integrated into the social and agricultural life of the northern English countryside. Over time, the family name became synonymous with the history of the region, marking them as a notable part of the local community for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Berwice
Old English term for a barley farm or outlying estate.
This name
BarwisDerived from a locational surname referring to someone who lived at a barley farm.
also spelled
Barwes
Barwys
Related arms
Barnbysame arms
Steadsame arms
Steadesame arms
Barresimilar arms
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ferguson, Richard Saul, A History of Cumberland, 1890
Nicolson, Joseph and Burn, Richard, The History and Antiquities of the Counties of Westmorland and Cumberland, 1777
Cumbria Archive Service, Kendal Archive Centre, The Barwis of Ilekirk Family Papers, 1600–1750
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
