A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bedell family of England.
Reg. 6876 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Sa. on a fesse betw. three saltires ar. a covered cup betw. two mullets az”
DorsetshireDorsetshire, c. 1620
Where the Bedell Arms Were Recorded
Dorsetshire
Map of England showing where the Bedell arms are recorded
The Bedell arms were recorded in Dorsetshire, c. 1620.
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 Bedell 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 Dorsetshire.
Origin & History of the Bedell Family in England
The Bedell family name is rooted in the medieval history of England, where it functioned as an occupational surname. It is derived from the Old French word "bedel," which referred to a minor official or a messenger who served a court or a local parish. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Dorsetshire. Records show that members of the Bedell family were living in this region by 1620, likely working as landowners or local administrators who held positions of responsibility within their communities. As the family grew, some members eventually sought new opportunities across the Atlantic, contributing to the early colonial history of North America while maintaining the traditions and naming patterns established in their English homeland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bedellus
A Latin term for a messenger or a minor official.
This name
BedellAn occupational surname for a beadle, a parish officer who kept order in church.
also spelled
Bedill
Related arms
Beadlevariant spelling
Bedle, or 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
Dorset History Centre, Dorset Quarter Sessions Records, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
