A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bril family of Netherlands.
Reg. 4483 · Dutch, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur à un château d'arg., ouv. du champ, composé d'un corps de logis sommé d'un toit pointu et flanqué de deux tours sommées de toits pareils, tous les toits girouettés.”
NetherlandsDelft, c. 1815
Where the Bril Arms Were Recorded
Delft
Map of Netherlands showing where the Bril arms are recorded
The Bril arms were recorded in Delft, c. 1815.
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.
Region
Delft
Town
Delft
First recorded
1815
Granting Authority for the Bril Arms
Hoge Raad van Adel
Photograph made by me · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Netherlands in this period.
William I of the Netherlands
Sovereign of the period
William I of the Netherlands
1815–1840
Reigning in Netherlands when the Bril arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Netherlands
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
Granting authority
The Hoge Raad van Adel is the official body that regulates and manages noble titles and coats of arms in the Netherlands.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through official royal grants or by proving their long-standing historical use of the symbols.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms are officially recorded in the registers held by the Hoge Raad van Adel, which began its work in 1814.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Netherlands.
Origin & History of the Bril Family in Netherlands
The family name Bril has deep roots in the Netherlands, with historical records confirming that members of the family were established in the city of Delft by 1815. The name itself is likely derived from the Middle Dutch word for spectacles, suggesting that an early ancestor may have been a skilled craftsman who made or sold eyewear. During the early nineteenth century, Delft was a bustling center of trade and industry, which provided a stable environment for families to grow and document their lives through civil registries. As the family settled into the local community, they became part of the urban fabric of the city, contributing to the daily life and economy of the region. By tracing these early records, we see a family that was well-integrated into the Dutch society of the time, leaving behind a clear paper trail that connects them to the historical landscape of Delft.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
beryllus
A precious stone or mineral, specifically a pale green crystal.
This name
BrilRefers to a person who wore spectacles or was a maker of eyeglasses.
also spelled
Bryll
Brill
Related arms
Brihlvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Nationaal Archief, Bevolkingsregister van Delft (1811-1900)
Stadsarchief Delft, Registers van de Burgerlijke Stand van Delft
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
