A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dower family of England.
Reg. 6416 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Per pale gu. and az. three cinquefoils or”
WorcesterWorcester, c. 1620
Where the Dower Arms Were Recorded
Worcester
Map of England showing where the Dower arms are recorded
The Dower arms were recorded in Worcester, c. 1620.
Worcestershire was orchard and farming country with a scattering of old manors. Its gentry were middling rather than great, but a manor was a manor, and holding one was what 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 Dower 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 Worcester.
Origin & History of the Dower Family in England
The surname Dower has deep roots in the English language, likely originating as a descriptive term for a person who held a dowry or as a variation of names related to the occupation of a doer or manager. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Dower family were established in the city of Worcester. During this period, Worcester was a bustling center of trade and religion, and families living there were often involved in the local wool industry or the vibrant market life of the cathedral city. As the family settled into this region, they became part of the local social fabric, contributing to the growth and daily operations of the community. Over the following generations, the name remained tied to the West Midlands, reflecting the steady lives of those who helped build the historical identity of Worcester.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
dower
A gift or endowment given to a bride upon marriage.
This name
DowerAn occupational name for a person who managed or provided a dowry or marriage settlement.
also spelled
Dore
Dour
Related arms
Dorevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service, Worcester City Parish 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.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cinquefoilHope and joy
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
cinquefoilHope and joy
