A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bonsor family of England.
Reg. 4928 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Per fesse az. and ar. a pale counterchanged, three lions' heads erased or, on a chief indented erminois three roses gu. barbed and seeded ppr”
SurreyLondon · Surrey, c. 1620
Where the Bonsor Arms Were Recorded
Surrey
Map of England showing where the Bonsor arms are recorded
The Bonsor arms were recorded in Surrey, c. 1620.
Surrey sat just south of London and filled up with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate there was the usual next step, and an estate was the usual reason to take 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 Bonsor 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 Surrey.
Origin & History of the Bonsor Family in England
The surname Bonsor is a locational name that likely originated from a specific place in England, though its exact roots remain a subject of historical study. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Surrey, with records confirming their residence there by 1620. During this period, families often lived in small rural parishes where they worked in agriculture or local trades. As the name spread through the region, it became closely tied to the landscape of southern England. The Bonsors were part of the growing population of English families who helped shape the local economy and community life in Surrey during the Stuart era. Their early history reflects the typical movement and settlement patterns of families who lived and worked in the English countryside long before the Industrial Revolution.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bon-Sore
Old French for good and sour or bitter.
This name
BonsorA locational surname likely referring to a person from a place known for good or pleasant soil.
also spelled
Bonser
Bonsere
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Surrey History Centre, Surrey Quarter Sessions Records, 1620
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, Percy Hide, 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.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
