A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Benett family of England.
Reg. 8175 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
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
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. three demi lions ramp. ar. a mullet or, in the centre for diff”
WiltsNorton Bavant · Wilts, c. 1620
Where the Benett Arms Were Recorded
Wilts
Map of England showing where the Benett arms are recorded
The Benett arms were recorded in Wilts, c. 1620.
Wiltshire was sheep country, and wool made money steadily for hundreds of years. Families who made it bought manors on the downs, and holding a manor was the usual reason to take 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 Benett 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 Wilts.
Origin & History of the Benett Family in England
The name Benett is a medieval variant of the name Benedict, which originates from the Latin word meaning blessed. By the early seventeenth century, the family had firmly established itself in the county of Wiltshire. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Benett family were active landowners and prominent figures within the local community during this period. The family often held positions of local authority, which allowed them to influence the development of their parishes and manage significant agricultural estates. Their presence in Wiltshire during the reign of King James I reflects a time when many families were solidifying their social status through land ownership and civic service. This deep connection to the Wiltshire landscape helped the name persist through generations as a recognized part of the regional history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Benedictus
Latin term meaning blessed or well spoken of.
This name
BenettA medieval diminutive form derived from the Latin word for blessed.
also spelled
Benit
Benitt
Bennette
Related arms
Bennettevariant spelling
Baddrecorded with Benett, same area
Ellesdonrecorded with Benett, same area
Roosrecorded with Benett, same area
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, 1958
Hoare, Richard Colt, The History of Modern Wiltshire, 1822
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Wiltshire Quarter Sessions Records
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills
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
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
