A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Boxwell family of England.
Reg. 6506 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. six annulets sa. within a bordure engr. gu”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Boxwell Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Boxwell arms are recorded
The Boxwell 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 Boxwell 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 Boxwell Family in England
The surname Boxwell is a locational name, which means it likely originated from a specific place or geographical feature where early family members lived. Historical records confirm that the Boxwell family was well-established in the city of York by 1620, suggesting they were part of the growing urban population during the early seventeenth century. At this time, York was a significant center for trade and administration in Northern England, providing many opportunities for families to build their lives through commerce or local craftsmanship. While the exact origins of the name may trace back to a small settlement or a "well" located near a box tree grove, the family’s presence in York highlights their integration into the social and economic fabric of one of England’s most historic cities during the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Boc-wielle
Old English for a stream or spring located near a beech tree.
This name
BoxwellA locational surname referring to someone who lived near a spring shaded by beech trees.
also spelled
Boxwill
Boxwall
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
bordureA difference between branches of one family
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
