A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bussell family of England.
Reg. 5891 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. a chev. betw. three water bougets sa”
EnglandCamden, c. 1620
Where the Bussell Arms Were Recorded
Camden
Map of England showing where the Bussell arms are recorded
The Bussell arms were recorded in Camden, 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 Bussell 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 Bussell Family in England
The surname Bussell is believed to have originated in England as a descriptive name, likely derived from the Old French word "bussel," which referred to a small container or a measure of grain. This suggests that the earliest ancestors to bear the name may have been merchants, farmers, or officials responsible for measuring goods at local markets. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the region of Camden. Records confirm that members of the Bussell family were living there as early as 1620, placing them among the families who witnessed the significant social and economic shifts of the Stuart period. These early settlers were likely involved in the agricultural or trade-based economy that defined the area, helping to shape the local community during a time of great transition in English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bussel
Old French word for a short or thick person.
This name
BussellA locational or descriptive surname derived from a nickname for someone of stout or thickset build.
also spelled
Bushell
Related arms
Bushellvariant spelling
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
Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre, Parish Registers of St. Pancras and Hampstead, 1620
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
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
water bougetThe crusader's water carrier, and a journey made
