A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bowring family of England.
Reg. 9321 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Per pale az. and sa. three chev. or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Bowring Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Bowring arms are recorded
The Bowring arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Bowring 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 England.
Origin & History of the Bowring Family in England
The surname Bowring is believed to have originated as a patronymic name, which means it was derived from the given name of an early ancestor. It likely evolved from the Old English name Buring, which was a variation of the name Burgheard. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Bowring family were well-established in the historic city of York. During this period, families often lived in the same region for generations, working in local trades or agriculture. Because York was a major center for commerce and religion in Northern England, the family likely played a part in the daily life and growth of the city during the early seventeenth century. Over time, the spelling of the name stabilized into its modern form as it was passed down through the generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bura
Old English term for a dweller or inhabitant.
This name
BowringA descendant of a person living near a fortification or a small settlement.
also spelled
Bouring
Boring
Related arms
Heatonrecorded with Bowring, same area
Heywoodrecorded with Bowring, same area
Ouseleyrecorded with Bowring, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
