A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Devis family of England.
Reg. 5641 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Per pale gu. and az. a castle in perspective, embattled all round the front, triple-towered, the whole forming a hexagon or, masoned [?] the two outside towers domed on each side, the middle tower an estoile sa”
WiltsWilts, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Devis arms are recorded
The Devis arms were recorded in Wilts, c. 1620.
Wiltshire was sheep country, and wool made money steadily for hundreds of years. Families who made it bought manors on the downs, and holding a manor was the usual reason to take 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 Devis 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 Wilts.
Origin & History of the Devis Family in England
The surname Devis emerged in England as a variation of the name Davis, which itself is a patronymic meaning son of David. By the early seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Wiltshire. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the Devis family were living and working within this region during a period of significant social and economic change. During this era, families in Wiltshire were often involved in the thriving wool trade or local agricultural pursuits, which helped them integrate into the fabric of their rural communities. As the name spread through parish registers and local legal documents, it became a distinct identifier for families who maintained deep roots in the English countryside for generations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
David
A Hebrew name meaning beloved or friend.
This name
DevisA patronymic surname indicating descent from a person named David.
also spelled
Devyses
Devis
Devyzes
Devise
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
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Wiltshire Parish Registers, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
