A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Beedle family of England.
Reg. 6590 · 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 Beedle Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Beedle arms are recorded
The Beedle 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 Beedle 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 Beedle Family in England
The surname Beedle is rooted in the occupational history of medieval England, originating from the Old English word *bydel*. This term referred to a minor official, such as a messenger, a herald of the court, or a local bailiff who served legal notices and collected taxes. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Beedle family were living in this region during a time of significant social and religious change. As residents of a major northern trade hub, these early ancestors likely integrated into the professional life of the city, potentially serving in roles that mirrored the administrative duties suggested by their name. This transition from a functional job title to a permanent family name reflects the common practice of identifying individuals by their trade within their local community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bydel
Old English term for a messenger or a minor official.
This name
BeedleAn occupational surname for a town crier, court summoner, or parish official.
also spelled
Bedell
Beedle
Beadell
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
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
