A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Billam family of Wales.
Reg. 4514 · Welsh, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
Colours
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)
“Gu. three bows ppr”
YorkBillam · York, c. 1647
Where the Billam Arms Were Recorded
Map of Wales showing where the Billam arms are recorded
The Billam arms were recorded in York, c. 1647.
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 Wales in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in Wales when the Billam arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Billam Family in Wales
The surname Billam is deeply rooted in the history of Northern England, with significant evidence placing the family in the city of York by the year 1647. During the seventeenth century, York was a bustling center of trade and religious activity, and families like the Billams were often integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes. The name itself is thought to be locational in origin, likely derived from a small settlement or a specific geographical feature near the Yorkshire landscape. As the family established themselves in the region, they became part of the social fabric of the city during a time of great political upheaval in England. By tracing their presence back to this period, we can see that the Billams were among the long-standing residents who helped shape the local community through their work and daily lives.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
William
Derived from Germanic elements meaning resolute protector or strong-willed warrior.
This name
BillamA patronymic surname originating from the personal name William, signifying son of William.
also spelled
Byllam
Billom
Byllom
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
York City Archives, Parish Registers of St. Michael le Belfrey, York, 1647
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bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
bowReadiness, and the strength held in reserve
