Map of England showing where the Drow arms are recorded
The Drow arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat of 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 Drow 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Drow Family in England
The history of the Drow family in England is deeply rooted in the rural landscape of Devon, where records confirm their presence by the early seventeenth century. During this period, the name was likely associated with the local agricultural economy, as families in the West Country often derived their identities from the specific parishes where they farmed or traded. In 1620, Devon was a region defined by its maritime connections and its transition toward more organized local governance, providing a stable environment for families to establish long-term roots. While the name is relatively rare, its persistence in Devon suggests that the early Drow ancestors were part of the steady, industrious population that maintained the county’s villages and market towns. By settling in this region, the family became part of the social fabric of southwestern England, contributing to the local community life that defined the era before the great migrations to the New World.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Gu. on a chev. ar. three roses of the field seeded and barbed ppr”
Irelandc. 1426
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Map of Ireland showing where the Drow arms are recorded
The Drow arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1426.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Henry VI of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VI of England
1422–1461
Reigning in England when the Drow arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Drow Family in Ireland
The history of the Drow family in Ireland begins with their documented presence in Dublin by 1426. During this period, Dublin was a bustling center of trade and administration under the influence of the English Crown. Families like the Drows were often involved in the urban economy, working as merchants, craftsmen, or local officials within the city walls. Living in a medieval port city meant that the family was likely connected to the maritime networks that linked Ireland to Britain and continental Europe. As the fifteenth century progressed, the Drows became part of the social fabric of the Pale, which was the area of Ireland most directly controlled by the English administration. Their early life in Dublin suggests a family that was settled and active in the civic affairs of a growing medieval capital.
Drow Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Drogo
Old Germanic name meaning ghost or phantom.
This name
DrowA patronymic surname derived from the ancient personal name Drogo.
also spelled
Dru
Drue
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hoskins, W. G., Devon, 1954
The National Archives, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, PROB 11
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish registers of the Diocese of Exeter, Exeter Diocesan Records
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
