A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Beverley family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 3375 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bullValour and generosity
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. a chev. sa. on a chief of the second, three bulls' heads cabossed ar. armed or”
YorkSelby · York, c. 1487
Where the Beverley Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Beverley arms are recorded
The Beverley arms were recorded in York, c. 1487.
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.
Henry VII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VII of England
1485–1509
Reigning in England when the Beverley 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 Beverley Family in England
The surname Beverley originates from a geographic location in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The name is derived from the Old English words "beofor," meaning beaver, and "leah," meaning a woodland clearing or meadow. By the late 15th century, the family was well-established in the city of York, which served as a major northern hub for trade and administration. Records from 1487 confirm that members of the family were active in this region during a time of significant political transition following the Wars of the Roses. As the family grew, they became integrated into the local urban life of York, often participating in the city's influential guilds and merchant networks. This connection to the landscape and the city helped define the family's identity as they moved through the medieval period and into the early modern era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
wolfReward from long service and hard work
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. on a chev. betw. three wolves' heads erased ar. as many ogresses”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Beverley Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Beverley arms are recorded
The Beverley 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 Beverley 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 Beverley Family in Ireland
The name Beverley has deep roots that stretch back to the mid-seventeenth century in Ireland. Historical records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1645, a time when the city was a major center for trade and political activity. While the name itself originates from English locations meaning "beaver stream," those who carried it to Ireland often integrated into the urban life of the capital as merchants and professionals. These early settlers lived through a period of intense social and political change, which required them to be adaptable and resilient as they built their lives in a new environment. By embedding themselves in the bustling economy of Dublin, the Beverley family helped shape the local community during a formative era of Irish history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
beofor and leah
Old English words for beaver and a woodland clearing or meadow.
This name
BeverleyRefers to a stream or meadow inhabited by beavers.
also spelled
Beverly
Beveley
Beverleigh
Related arms
Barnerlysame arms
Greyvesame arms
Goldingsimilar arms
Beveleyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ekwall, Eilert, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-names, 1960
York City Archives, York Civic Records, Series B/Y
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bullValour and generosity
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bullValour and generosity
wolfReward from long service and hard work
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
