A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Belt family of England.
Reg. 0682 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Gu. on a chev. ar. betw. three bezants a cross pattée fitchée of the first betw. two mullets az. quartering Wallis, co. York, Pegge, co. Derby, Strelly, co. Notts. and Burnell, co. Notts”
YorkBossall Hall · York, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Belt arms are recorded
The Belt 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 Belt 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 Belt Family in England
The surname Belt is a topographic name that likely originated in Northern England, where it was used to describe people who lived near a belt of trees or a strip of land. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the city of York. Records confirm that members of the Belt family were active in the civic and professional life of the city by 1620. During this period, the family was well-integrated into the local community, with some members serving in legal and administrative roles that helped shape the governance of the region. Their history reflects the broader movement of families who rose to prominence through trade and public service in historic English cathedral cities.
Belt Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
balteus
A Latin term referring to a belt or a sword girdle.
This name
BeltAn occupational name for a maker of belts or a person who wore a distinctive belt.
also spelled
Belth
Related arms
Bellsimilar arms
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
York City Archives, York House Books, 1600–1630
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
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cross symbolChristian faith and service
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
