A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the De la Barre family of England.
Reg. 5979 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. on a bend cotised az. three escallops or, betw. two martlets sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the De la Barre Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the De la Barre arms are recorded
The De la Barre arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 De la Barre 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 England.
Origin & History of the De la Barre Family in England
The surname De la Barre is of French origin and translates literally to mean "of the barrier" or "of the gate." Historically, this name was often given to individuals who lived near a prominent gate, a toll bar, or a defensive fortification. By the early seventeenth century, members of the family had established a presence in the city of York, England. This migration was likely part of a broader movement of families from the continent seeking new opportunities or fleeing religious and political instability in France. Once settled in York, these early ancestors integrated into the local community, transitioning from their French roots to become part of the English social and economic landscape of the 1620s.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
barra
A barrier, gate, or defensive fortification.
This name
De la BarreRefers to someone who lived near a gate or a defensive barrier.
also spelled
Delabar
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
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
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
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
