A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Broadley family of England.
Reg. 0654 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Ar. on a chev. gu. betw. two eagles' heads erased in chief of the last, and an anchor in base az. three bezants all within a bordure of the third”
EnglandLondon, c. 1620
Where the Broadley Arms Were Recorded
London
Map of England showing where the Broadley arms are recorded
The Broadley arms were recorded in London, 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 Broadley 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 Broadley Family in England
The surname Broadley is a topographical name, meaning it was originally used to describe someone who lived near a wide meadow or a broad clearing in the woods. The name comes from the Old English words "brad," meaning broad, and "leah," which refers to a meadow or woodland clearing. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Broadley family were well-established in London. During this period, London was a bustling center of trade and migration, and families with this name were likely involved in the city's growing merchant class or skilled trades. As the family settled into urban life, they contributed to the social and economic fabric of the capital, helping to define the identity of the name as it spread from rural landscapes into the heart of English city life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
brad leah
Old English words for broad and a woodland clearing or glade.
This name
BroadleyRefers to someone who lived near or worked on a wide, open meadow or clearing.
also spelled
Brodley
Broadlie
Brodlie
Related arms
Eggintonrecorded with Broadley, 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, 1958
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury wills, 1384-1858, PROB 11
London Metropolitan Archives, City of London Parish Registers, 1538-1812
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
anchorHope, and steadfastness in trouble
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
