A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Benfield family of England.
Reg. 9586 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Az. on a chev. betw. three pears or, three roses gu”
MiddlesexMiddlesex, c. 1620
Where the Benfield Arms Were Recorded
Middlesex
Map of England showing where the Benfield arms are recorded
The Benfield arms were recorded in Middlesex, c. 1620.
Middlesex was the county around London, and City money flowed straight into it. Merchants and officials bought estates within reach of the capital, and a new estate brought a coat of arms with it.
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 Benfield 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 Middlesex.
Origin & History of the Benfield Family in England
The surname Benfield is a locative name, which means it was originally used to describe people who lived near a specific geographic feature, such as an open field belonging to a person named Bene. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Middlesex, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Benfield family were living in this region during a time of significant social and political change. As the family settled into these areas, they often worked in trades or agriculture, helping to shape the local communities surrounding London. Over time, the name spread from these rural and suburban roots as family members moved to find new opportunities, yet the early records from Middlesex remain a key starting point for understanding their history in England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bean feld
Old English words for bean and open land or field.
This name
BenfieldRefers to a person who lived near or cultivated a field of beans.
also spelled
Benfeild
Benfyld
Benfelde
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and Related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1620
London Metropolitan Archives, Middlesex Parish Registers, 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
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
applePeace, plenty and long-standing settlement
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
