A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Challis family of England.
Reg. 6580 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Vert, betw. two bars engr. ar. three bezants”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Challis Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Challis arms are recorded
The Challis 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 Challis 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 Challis Family in England
The surname Challis is believed to have originated in England, with roots that likely trace back to the medieval period. Many historians suggest the name is a variation of the French word "chalice," which refers to a ceremonial cup used in religious services. It is possible that the name was first given as a nickname to someone who worked as a maker of these vessels or perhaps to a person who served in a church. By the early 17th century, the family had established a clear presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Challis family were living and working in this region by 1620. During this era, York was a bustling center of trade and religion, providing a stable environment for families to grow and contribute to the local community. Over many generations, the name spread from these northern roots to other parts of the country, evolving in spelling as it moved through different regions.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Calix
Latin term meaning a cup, chalice, or drinking vessel.
This name
ChallisAn occupational name for a maker or seller of chalices or cups.
also spelled
Challice
Related arms
Challicevariant 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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Parish registers of York, 1620
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roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
