A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Betsworth family of England.
Reg. 5540 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Az. a lion ramp. per fesse or and ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Betsworth Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Betsworth arms are recorded
The Betsworth 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 Betsworth 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 Betsworth Family in England
The surname Betsworth is a topographical name that likely originated from a specific location in England. Names of this type were often given to people who lived near a particular landmark or a small settlement. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Betsworth family were established in the historic city of York. During this period, York was a major center for trade and religion, serving as a hub for families who were deeply involved in the local community. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Northern England, living through a time of significant cultural and political transition. The name itself reflects the linguistic patterns of the era, where local place names were frequently adopted as permanent surnames to help distinguish one family from another in growing urban populations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Beorhtweard
Derived from Old English elements meaning bright or famous guardian.
This name
BetsworthAn English habitational name referring to a farmstead or enclosure belonging to a person named Beorhtweard.
also spelled
Bettesworth
Betesworth
Related arms
Bettesworthvariant 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 Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
