A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brandreth family of England.
Reg. 4655 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
spurKnighthood, and readiness to spur on
handFaith, sincerity and justice
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, per pale and per chev. ar. and sa. two chevronels engr. betw. three escallops counterchanged, for BRANDRETH; 2nd and 3rd, gu. on a bend ar. betw. two spurs or, with leathers of the second, a dexter hand gauntleted holding a tilting spear ppr., for GIBBS”
BedfordHoughton House · Bedford, c. 1620
Where the Brandreth Arms Were Recorded
Bedford
Map of England showing where the Brandreth arms are recorded
The Brandreth arms were recorded in Bedford, c. 1620.
Bedfordshire was small, flat farming country close to London. Its manors were held by middling families rather than great ones, but a manor was a manor, and holding one 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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Brandreth 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 Bedford.
Origin & History of the Brandreth Family in England
The surname Brandreth is of locative origin, meaning it was likely adopted by individuals who lived near a specific landmark or geographic feature. The name is derived from the Old English words "brand," meaning a burning piece of wood or a torch, and "reth," which refers to a steep slope or a clearing. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Bedford, England. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Brandreth family were active in this region during a time of significant social and political change. As the family grew, they became integrated into the local community, often appearing in parish registers and legal documents that tracked the lives of Bedford residents. This early history suggests that the family was well-settled in the English Midlands, contributing to the local economy and social structure long before the name spread to other parts of the world.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
brand-rith
Old Norse for a fire-grate or iron tripod used for cooking.
This name
BrandrethA topographic name for someone who lived near a beacon or a fire-grate.
also spelled
Brandreith
Brandrith
Related arms
Brandreithvariant spelling
Hodgsonrecorded with Brandreth, same area
Whyshawrecorded with Brandreth, 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
Bedfordshire Archives, Parish Registers of Bedford St. Paul, 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
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
spurKnighthood, and readiness to spur on
handFaith, sincerity and justice
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
spurKnighthood, and readiness to spur on
handFaith, sincerity and justice
