A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Champneis family of England.
Reg. 1511 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 lion ramp. gu. a border engr. sa”
DevonUfculum · Devon, c. 1620
Where the Champneis Arms Were Recorded
Devon
Map of England showing where the Champneis arms are recorded
The Champneis arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of 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 Champneis 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Champneis Family in England
The surname Champneis is a locative name that originated in France, derived from the Old French word *champenois*, which refers to someone who hailed from the Champagne region. Over several centuries, the spelling evolved as the family moved across the English Channel and settled into different regions. By the early 17th century, members of the family were firmly established in the county of Devon. Historical records confirm their presence in this area by 1620, where they likely integrated into the local agrarian or merchant communities of the English West Country. This migration reflects a common pattern of families moving from continental Europe to England during the medieval and early modern periods, eventually taking root in the rural landscapes of southwestern England.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Champagne
A region in France characterized by open, flat, or uncultivated land.
This name
ChampneisAn occupational or habitational name for someone who originated from the Champagne region of France.
also spelled
Champnes
Champney
Champneys
Related arms
Champnesvariant spelling
Champneyvariant spelling
Champneysvariant 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
Devon Heritage Centre, Parish Register Transcripts for the Diocese of Exeter, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
