A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bellew family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 7069 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Erm. on a chev. gu. three escallops ar. (another, three mullets)”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Bellew Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bellew arms are recorded
The Bellew arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
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 Bellew 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 England.
Origin & History of the Bellew Family in England
The surname Bellew is rooted in the movement of families across medieval England, where it likely originated as a descriptive nickname or a reference to a place of origin. By the early seventeenth century, the family established a notable presence in the city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Bellew family were living in this historic northern hub during a period of significant social and economic transition. As residents of York, they were part of a community defined by its ancient walls and its role as a center for trade and regional administration. While the family name suggests a connection to older linguistic traditions, their documented life in York illustrates how families settled into urban centers to build their livelihoods and contribute to the local history of the region.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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. a fret couped or, over all a label of three points gu”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Bellew Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Bellew arms are recorded
The Bellew arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Bellew arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Bellew Family in Ireland
The Bellew family name arrived in Ireland during the late medieval period, establishing deep roots that eventually centered around the Pale near Dublin. By the time the mid-seventeenth century arrived, the family had become well-established landowners and political figures within the region. Records from 1645 show that members of the Bellew family were active participants in the complex social and administrative life of Dublin during a time of great political upheaval. As the family grew in influence, they integrated into the local gentry, managing estates and navigating the shifting loyalties of the era. Their presence in the capital city highlights their role as a prominent Anglo-Norman family that transitioned from military arrivals to settled members of the Irish landed class over several generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bel
Derived from the Latin word bellus meaning beautiful or handsome.
This name
BellewA locational surname originating from Belleau in Normandy, signifying a beautiful water source or spring.
also spelled
Belew
Beloo
Bellow
Belyew
Related arms
Bellowvariant 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, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Kew, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 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
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
fretPersuasion, and the net that holds
