A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Callow family of England.
Reg. 0195 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
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. on a chev. betw. three leopards' faces sa. as many annulets of the field”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Callow Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Callow arms are recorded
The Callow arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them 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 Callow 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 Callow Family in England
The surname Callow is rooted in the Old English word calu, which translates to bald or bare. In medieval times, this was often used as a descriptive nickname for someone with little hair or perhaps to describe a person who lived on a patch of land that lacked trees. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Callow family were active participants in the social and economic life of this northern English hub. During this period, York was a center for trade and religious administration, and families like the Callows often held roles as skilled tradespeople or local merchants. Their presence in the city during this era suggests they were well-integrated into the community, contributing to the local culture and the developing urban landscape of the time.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
calu
Old English word meaning bald or bare.
This name
CallowA descriptive nickname for a person who was bald or lived on bare, treeless land.
also spelled
Callo
Calloe
Related arms
Kalowaysame arms
Kelleysimilar arms
Tallowesimilar arms
Brenchleyrecorded with Callow, same area
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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
ringFidelity, and a promise kept
