A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Biss family of England.
Reg. 0720 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
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. three escallops in pale ar”
DurhamDurham, c. 1620
Where the Biss Arms Were Recorded
Durham
Map of England showing where the Biss arms are recorded
The Biss arms were recorded in Durham, c. 1620.
Durham was governed by its bishop rather than the crown for most of its history, with its own courts and its own landed class. That separate world produced a tight group of families, nearly all of whom held 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 Biss 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 Durham.
Origin & History of the Biss Family in England
The surname Biss is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive nickname, likely referring to someone who wore clothing of a dark gray or brownish-purple color. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Durham, where records confirm their residence by 1620. During this period, the region was heavily influenced by the coal mining industry and the administrative power of the local church authorities. Members of the Biss family living in Durham during this time were often integrated into the local community as tradespeople or landowners. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Northern England, contributing to the local economy and the development of the region throughout the 1600s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bys
A Middle English term referring to a dark or swarthy complexion.
This name
BissA descriptive nickname for an individual with a dark skin tone or dark hair.
also spelled
Bysse
Bys
Related arms
Byssevariant 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 National Archives, Durham Probate Records, 1620
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escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
