A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fitz-Lewes family of England.
Reg. 1483 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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. a chev. betw. three trefoils sa”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Fitz-Lewes Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Fitz-Lewes arms are recorded
The Fitz-Lewes 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 Fitz-Lewes 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 Fitz-Lewes Family in England
The surname Fitz-Lewes follows a naming tradition that dates back to the period following the Norman Conquest of England. The prefix "Fitz" is derived from the Old French word *fils*, which means son, indicating that the family name originally identified a person as the son of someone named Lewes. By the early 17th century, members of the Fitz-Lewes family were well-established residents of York. During this era, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration, placing the family in a position to participate in the growing economic life of the city. While the name reflects a connection to the linguistic influence of the Normans, the presence of the family in Yorkshire by 1620 suggests they were deeply integrated into the local community and the professional life of northern England long before the start of the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Ludovicus
Latinized form of the Germanic name meaning famous warrior.
This name
Fitz-LewesAn Anglo-Norman patronymic surname indicating the son of Lewis or Louis.
also spelled
Fitzlewis
Related arms
Fitz-Lewisvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Parish registers of York, Series PR/YOR
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
