Map of England showing where the Conquest arms are recorded
The Conquest arms were recorded in Bedford, c. 1620.
Bedfordshire was small, flat farming country close to London. Its manors were held by middling families rather than great ones, but a manor was a manor, and holding one brought 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 Conquest 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 Bedford.
Origin & History of the Conquest Family in England
The family name Conquest is deeply rooted in English history, with strong ties to the county of Bedfordshire. While the name itself suggests a connection to the Norman era, the family established a significant presence in Houghton Conquest by the early 17th century. Records confirm that members of the family were living in Bedford by 1620, where they became prominent landowners and local figures. The village of Houghton Conquest serves as a lasting testament to their influence, as the name was added to the parish title to reflect their long-standing tenure in the area. Over the generations, the family integrated into the local gentry, playing an active role in the social and administrative life of the region during the transition into the Stuart period.
Conquest Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
conquirere
Latin verb meaning to seek after, procure, or win.
This name
ConquestA habitational name for someone from Conques in Normandy or a nickname for a victor.
also spelled
Conquess
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Page, William, A History of the County of Bedford, 1908
Venn, John, Alumni Cantabrigienses: A Biographical List of All Known Students, Graduates and Holders of Office at the University of Cambridge, from the Earliest Times to 1751, 1922
Bedfordshire Archives, Houghton Conquest Parish Records
The National Archives, Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Wills and Probate Records
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
