Map of England showing where the Delrey arms are recorded
The Delrey 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 Delrey 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 Delrey Family in England
The surname Delrey traces its roots to the cultural landscape of Northern England, with documented evidence placing the family in the historic city of York by 1620. During this period, York served as a vital hub for trade and administration, attracting families who often worked as skilled artisans or merchants. The name itself suggests a connection to the French language, likely originating from the phrase "de le rey," which translates to "of the king." This indicates that early ancestors may have held positions of service within the royal household or lived on land designated as crown property. By settling in York, these early family members became part of a thriving urban community that was navigating the significant social and religious shifts of the seventeenth century. Their presence in local records from this era highlights their integration into the fabric of English society during a time of great national change.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
de la Rey
Old French prepositional phrase meaning of the king.
This name
DelreyAn English habitational name derived from French indicating someone who lived near or served the king.
also spelled
Delory
Delorie
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Baines, Edward. History, Directory and Gazetteer of the County of York. 1822
Collins, Francis. Register of the Freemen of the City of York from the City Records. 1897
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620–1625
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
flaunchesA reward for virtue and learning
bordureA difference between branches of one family
flaunchesA reward for virtue and learning
bordureA difference between branches of one family
