Map of France showing where the Bedre arms are recorded
The Bedre arms were recorded in Normandie, c. 1663.
Normandie held a dense crowd of knightly families on some of the best farmland in France. Its men had fought and settled abroad for generations, and a family that sent sons to war needed a shield they could be recognised by.
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 France in this period.
Louis XIV of France
Sovereign of the period
Louis XIV of France
1643–1715
Reigning in France when the Bedre arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Normandie.
Origin & History of the Bedre Family in France
The history of the Bedre family in France is deeply rooted in the rugged landscape of Normandy, where records confirm their presence as early as 1663. During the seventeenth century, Normandy was a region defined by its agricultural output and its proximity to the English Channel, which made it a hub for trade and migration. Families living in this area often worked as tenant farmers or skilled tradespeople, contributing to the local economy of the rural parishes. Life in Normandy at this time was governed by strict social structures and the influence of the Catholic Church, which maintained detailed registers of births, marriages, and deaths. By establishing themselves in this region, the early members of the Bedre family became part of a long tradition of Norman resilience. They navigated the challenges of a changing French society while maintaining their ties to the land and their local communities for generations.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
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. three bears' heads, sa. muzzled or”
DevonMorebath · Devon, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Bedre arms are recorded
The Bedre arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of 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 France when the Bedre 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Bedre Family in England
The Bedre family name has roots that stretch back to the rural landscapes of Devon, England, where members of the family were documented as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, Devon was a hub of maritime activity and agricultural development, providing a backdrop for families to establish deep ties to the local community. The name likely evolved from regional dialects or descriptive nicknames common in the West Country, reflecting the specific linguistic patterns of the area at the time. As the family settled into the Devonshire countryside, they became part of the local social fabric, likely participating in the traditional farming and trade practices that defined life in the region. Their presence in the early 1600s suggests that the family was well-integrated into the parish life of the era, leaving behind a legacy tied to the evolving history of southwestern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Baudri
Derived from the Germanic elements for bold and counsel.
This name
BedreA patronymic surname originating from the ancient Germanic personal name meaning bold advisor.
also spelled
Berre
Beer
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales de la Seine-Maritime, Registres paroissiaux et d'état civil
Boudet, Marcel, Histoire de la Normandie et de ses familles, 1952
Le Cacheux, Paul, Essai sur les familles normandes du XVIIe siècle, 1934
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
