A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Beadle family of England.
Reg. 7496 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. a chev. betw. three escallops ar. all within a border engr. of the last”
YorkSouth Ella · York, c. 1620
Where the Beadle Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Beadle arms are recorded
The Beadle arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Beadle 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 York.
Origin & History of the Beadle Family in England
The surname Beadle originates from the Middle English word *bedel*, which referred to an official who served as a messenger or a minor judicial officer for a local court or church. During the medieval period, these individuals were responsible for delivering summons, collecting fines, and maintaining order within their communities. By the time the family was firmly established in York in 1620, the name had transitioned from a professional title into a hereditary surname passed down through generations. These early members of the family in York likely lived in a city defined by its bustling trade and historical significance as a northern administrative hub. As the role of the beadle evolved over centuries, the family name remained a permanent link to the public service and local governance duties that defined their ancestors’ daily lives.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bidellus
A medieval Latin term for a messenger or minor official.
This name
BeadleAn occupational surname for a parish officer, court crier, or minor church official.
also spelled
Bedell
Beedle
Beadell
Related arms
Bedellvariant 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, Percy Hide, 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.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
