A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bowerman family of England.
Reg. 8290 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Erm. on a bend cottised sa. three boars' heads couped or”
DevonshireDevonshire, c. 1620
Where the Bowerman Arms Were Recorded
Devonshire
Map of England showing where the Bowerman arms are recorded
The Bowerman arms were recorded in Devonshire, c. 1620.
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 Bowerman 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 Devonshire.
Origin & History of the Bowerman Family in England
The surname Bowerman is an occupational name that originated in England during the Middle Ages. It was traditionally given to individuals who worked as bowyers or makers of archery equipment, as the name is derived from the Old English words for a bow and a maker. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Devonshire. Records confirm that members of the Bowerman family were living in this region by 1620, where they were often involved in local agriculture and trade. Over time, the family name spread from these rural roots into various parts of the country as members sought new opportunities in growing towns and cities. The history of the name reflects the importance of skilled craftsmanship in medieval society and the long-standing ties that families maintained within their local communities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bower
An Old English term referring to a cottage, dwelling, or chamber.
This name
BowermanAn occupational surname for a maker of bows or a keeper of a cottage.
also spelled
Bowman
Borman
Bowermain
Related arms
Bormansame arms
Burnmansimilar arms
Bowmanvariant 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, Kew, Prerogative Court of Canterbury and related Probate Jurisdictions: Will Registers, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
