A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bissett family of England.
Reg. 8870 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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. six bezants three, two, and one”
WorcesterBlakeshall · Worcester, c. 1568
Where the Bissett Arms Were Recorded
Worcester
Map of England showing where the Bissett arms are recorded
The Bissett arms were recorded in Worcester, c. 1568.
Worcestershire was orchard and farming country with a scattering of old manors. Its gentry were middling rather than great, but a manor was a manor, and holding one was what brought 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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Bissett 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 Worcester.
Origin & History of the Bissett Family in England
The surname Bissett is believed to have originated from the Old French word "bis," which described someone with a dark or swarthy complexion. The family likely migrated to the British Isles from Normandy during the Middle Ages, eventually establishing deep roots across various English regions. By the year 1568, historical records confirm that members of the Bissett family were well-established residents in the city of Worcester. During this period, the family was likely integrated into the local community as tradespeople or landowners, contributing to the social and economic life of the city. As the family grew, they spread into different parts of the country, carrying their name through generations while maintaining a presence in historical documents that track their movement and local influence.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
bis
A Latin term meaning twice or double.
This name
BissettA nickname for a person who was considered a second or double of someone else.
also spelled
Byssett
Bissat
Bysett
Related arms
Bysettvariant spelling
Byssettvariant spelling
Sebrightrecorded with Bissett, same area
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
Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, Worcester City Records: Quarter Sessions and Parish Registers, 1568
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
