A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Brownell family of England.
Reg. 9354 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Erm. on a chev. cottised sa. three escallops ar”
DerbyDerby, c. 1682
Where the Brownell Arms Were Recorded
Derby
Map of England showing where the Brownell arms are recorded
The Brownell arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1682.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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.
Charles II of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles II of England
1660–1685
Reigning in England when the Brownell 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Brownell Family in England
The Brownell family name is of English origin and likely developed as a descriptive nickname for a person with a brownish complexion or someone who frequently wore brown clothing. By the mid-17th century, members of the family began crossing the Atlantic to establish themselves in the American colonies. A significant milestone in their history occurred in 1682 when family members were recorded as early settlers in Derby, Connecticut. These pioneers were part of a wave of English immigrants who helped build the foundations of the Naugatuck Valley. As they settled into colonial life, the Brownells integrated into the local community by participating in town governance and agricultural development. Their presence in Derby serves as a key point in the family narrative, marking their transition from English roots to becoming established figures in early American history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Brun
Old Germanic word meaning brown or dark-colored.
This name
BrownellA diminutive form referring to someone with a dark or brownish complexion.
also spelled
Brounell
Brownill
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Orcutt, Samuel. The History of the Old Town of Derby, Connecticut, 1642-1880. 1880
Connecticut State Library. Derby Land Records, 1680-1720
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
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
