A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Coxwell family of England.
Reg. 2280 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a bend wavy betw. six cocks gu. quartering ar. a mullet sa. on a chief gu. a fleur-de-lis or, for ROGERS of Dowdeswell”
GloucesterAblington · Gloucester, c. 1620
Where the Coxwell Arms Were Recorded
Gloucester
Map of England showing where the Coxwell arms are recorded
The Coxwell arms were recorded in Gloucester, c. 1620.
Gloucestershire had good farmland, a cloth trade in its valleys and a river carrying goods to Bristol. All three made money, and money bought the estates that brought arms with them.
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 Coxwell 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 Gloucester.
Origin & History of the Coxwell Family in England
The surname Coxwell is a locative name, meaning it was originally derived from a specific place rather than an occupation or a personal trait. Historical records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the county of Gloucestershire by the early 17th century, with notable documentation appearing around 1620. During this period, the family was closely tied to the landscape of the Cotswolds, where they often served as landowners and local officials. The name itself likely refers to a "well" or spring located near a place associated with a person named Cock or Cox. As the family grew, they became deeply integrated into the social and economic life of the region, leaving behind records of their influence in local parish registers and land deeds that trace their presence through the generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cockeswell
A spring or stream associated with a person named Cock.
This name
CoxwellDerived from a locational surname referring to a specific well or spring belonging to an individual.
also spelled
Coxwill
Coxwall
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bigland, Ralph. Historical, Monumental and Genealogical Collections Relative to the County of Gloucester. 1791
Gloucestershire Archives, Records of the Diocese of Gloucester: Bishop’s Transcripts of Parish Registers, 1620
Rudder, Samuel. A New History of Gloucestershire. 1779
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
cockCourage, vigilance and readiness for battle
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
