A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bewley family of England.
Reg. 9913 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Quarterly, ar. and gu. a cross counterchanged”
EnglandLondon, c. 1245
Where the Bewley Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Bewley arms are recorded
The Bewley arms were recorded in London, c. 1245.
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 III of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry III of England
1216–1272
Reigning in England when the Bewley 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 Bewley Family in England
The surname Bewley has deep roots in medieval England, with historical records confirming that members of the family were established in London as early as 1245. The name is generally considered to be locational in origin, meaning it was likely adopted by individuals who moved to a new area and were identified by the place they once called home. Etymologists often link the name to the Old French term "beau lieu," which translates to "beautiful place." This suggests that the earliest ancestors to carry the name may have lived near a scenic site, a monastery, or a manor that was known for its natural beauty. As the family grew, they spread across different regions of England, eventually becoming associated with various trades and social circles during the Middle Ages. By tracking these early movements, historians can see how the name evolved from a simple description of a person's home into a lasting family identity that has persisted for nearly eight centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Beau Lieu
Old French for beautiful place.
This name
BewleyA locational surname referring to someone who lived near a beautiful place or monastery.
also spelled
Beuley
Beuly
Bewelle
Related arms
Beuleyvariant spelling
Beulyvariant spelling
Bewellevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
London Metropolitan Archives, The London Eyre of 1244-1245, record series: CLA/044
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
cross symbolChristian faith and service
