Map of England showing where the Bunbury arms are recorded
The Bunbury arms were recorded in Chester, c. 1620.
Cheshire was governed apart from the rest of England for much of its history, with its own courts and its own gentry. That separateness bred a strong local landed class, and landed families 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 Bunbury 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 Chester.
Origin & History of the Bunbury Family in England
The Bunbury family name originates from the village of Bunbury in the county of Cheshire, England. The name itself is derived from the Old English words for a fortified place and a defensive hill. By the early 17th century, the family had established a firm presence in the city of Chester, which served as a major administrative and social hub for the region. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were active participants in the local life of Chester during this period. As the family grew in influence, they became deeply connected to the political and economic development of the Cheshire area. Their history is closely tied to the landscape of Northwest England, reflecting the movement of families from small rural settlements into the growing urban centers of the Stuart era.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chess rookStrategy, and the defence of a position
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Erm. a chess rook betw. two leopards' faces in bend betw. two bendlets sa”
CarlowMoyle · Carlow, c. 1645
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of Ireland showing where the Bunbury arms are recorded
The Bunbury arms were recorded in Carlow, c. 1645.
Carlow was small, rich farming country in south-eastern Ireland, taken early by Norman families. Good land kept the same families on it, and staying put is what puts a name in the 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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Bunbury arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Carlow.
Origin & History of the Bunbury Family in Ireland
The Bunbury family established their roots in Ireland during the mid-seventeenth century, a period marked by significant political and social upheaval. The family first appeared in County Carlow around 1645, likely arriving as part of the broader movement of English settlers during the Cromwellian era. Thomas Bunbury was a prominent early figure who settled at Lisnavagh, which became the long-standing seat of the family estate. Over the following decades, the Bunburys integrated into the local landed gentry and took on roles in regional administration and public service. By securing land and building a reputation in the local community, they transitioned from new arrivals to a permanent fixture of the Carlow landscape. Their influence grew steadily as they managed their agricultural holdings and participated in the economic development of the province of Leinster.
Bunbury Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Bona-burg
Derived from Old English words for good and a fortified town.
This name
BunburyRefers to a person who originated from the fortified settlement of Bunbury in Cheshire.
also spelled
Bunbery
Related arms
Archerrecorded with Bunbury, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Dodgson, J. McN., The Place-Names of Cheshire, 1970
Cheshire Archives and Local Studies, Chester City Records (G/C)
Ormerod, George, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, 1819
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chess rookStrategy, and the defence of a position
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chess rookStrategy, and the defence of a position
lionCourage, strength and royalty
