A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Chapell family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 4165 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Per fesse ar. and vert, a chaplet betw. four escallop shells, counterchanged”
CambridgeshireCambridgeshire, c. 1620
Where the Chapell Arms Were Recorded
Cambridgeshire
Map of England showing where the Chapell arms are recorded
The Chapell arms were recorded in Cambridgeshire, 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 Chapell 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 Cambridgeshire.
Origin & History of the Chapell Family in England
The surname Chapell is a locative name, meaning it was originally used to identify people who lived near or worked at a chapel. In medieval England, the name evolved from the Old French word *chapelle*, which referred to a small place of worship or a private sanctuary. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Cambridgeshire. During this era, Cambridgeshire was a region defined by its rich agricultural land and its connection to the intellectual life of Cambridge University. Families living in this area often served as local landowners or skilled tradespeople who contributed to the stability of the rural parishes. The presence of the Chapell name in 1620 suggests that these ancestors were part of the settled English population during a time of significant social and religious change, living in close-knit communities where their surname served as a clear marker of their geographic identity.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. three chaplets or”
Irelandc. 1645
Where the Chapell Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Chapell arms are recorded
The Chapell arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Chapell 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 Ireland.
Origin & History of the Chapell Family in Ireland
The surname Chapell has roots that trace back to the bustling urban environment of seventeenth-century Dublin. By 1645, members of the family were already established residents within the city, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval in Ireland. The name itself is linked to the Middle English word for a small church or a private place of worship, suggesting that early ancestors may have served as officials or caretakers for such religious buildings. As Dublin grew into a major center for trade and administration, the Chapell family integrated into the local economy. Their presence in the city records during the mid-1600s indicates that they were part of the growing urban middle class that helped shape the capital’s development during a time of great transition.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
capella
Latin for a small sanctuary or private place of worship.
This name
ChapellAn occupational name for someone who lived near or worked at a chapel.
also spelled
Chapele
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Probate Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1620
Cambridgeshire Archives, Parish Register Transcripts for Cambridgeshire, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
wreathHonour, and a victory crowned
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
