A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Clarell family of England.
Reg. 1519 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. six martlets ar. three, two, and one”
YorkshireTickhill · Yorkshire, c. 1620
Where the Clarell Arms Were Recorded
Yorkshire
Map of England showing where the Clarell arms are recorded
The Clarell arms were recorded in Yorkshire, 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 Clarell 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 Yorkshire.
Origin & History of the Clarell Family in England
The surname Clarell is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of Northern England, with distinct records placing the family in Yorkshire as early as the seventeenth century. During the year 1620, the region was undergoing significant social and economic shifts as families navigated the transition from feudal agricultural life to more localized trade and craftsmanship. The name itself likely evolved from a combination of topographical descriptions or occupational nicknames common in the medieval period, eventually solidifying into a hereditary surname as record-keeping became more standardized in parish registers. By establishing themselves in Yorkshire, members of the Clarell family became part of a resilient community that survived the political upheavals and religious changes of the Stuart era. Their presence in these early records suggests a family that was well-integrated into the local parish structure, participating in the daily life and administrative duties that defined village society during this formative time in English history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Clarus
Latin word meaning clear, bright, or famous.
This name
ClarellA diminutive form indicating someone who is bright, clear, or illustrious.
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
West Yorkshire Archive Service, Parish Registers of the Diocese of York, 1620
Hey, David, The Making of South Yorkshire, 1979
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martletA younger son, who must win his own land
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
