A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Foxall family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 6832 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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 bend engr. az”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Foxall Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Foxall arms are recorded
The Foxall 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 Foxall 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 Foxall Family in England
The surname Foxall is a locative name, meaning it likely originated from a specific place where early ancestors lived. In Old English, the name is thought to derive from a combination of words referring to a "fox" and a "hall" or "nook," suggesting the family may have resided near a clearing or a sheltered spot where foxes were commonly seen. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Foxall family were well-established in the historic city of York. During this period, York was a major center for trade and religious life in Northern England. Families living there often worked as skilled tradespeople or merchants, contributing to the bustling economy of the walled city. As the family grew, they moved through different regions of England, carrying their name across the countryside while maintaining their connection to the northern roots that defined their early history.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
foxWit and wisdom in defence
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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. a chev. chequy ar. and sa. betw. three foxes' heads erased of the second”
Irelandc. 1649
Where the Foxall Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Foxall arms are recorded
The Foxall arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1649.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Foxall 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 Foxall Family in Ireland
The Foxall family name has a documented presence in Dublin dating back to at least 1649, a time when the city was undergoing significant political and social upheaval. During the mid-seventeenth century, the name appeared in official records associated with the merchant class and the administrative life of the capital. As Dublin served as a bustling hub for trade and government, families like the Foxalls often integrated into the urban economy by participating in local commerce and civic duties. While the name likely originated from English roots, its establishment in Ireland during this era suggests that early members were part of the demographic shifts occurring throughout the British Isles. Over the following decades, the family became more deeply embedded in the local community, transitioning from newcomers to established residents who contributed to the evolving identity of Dublin.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fox
A wild carnivorous mammal belonging to the canine family.
This name
FoxallDerived from a topographical location or nickname referring to a dweller near a fox-filled hollow.
also spelled
Foxhall
Foxhal
Foxale
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
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate 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.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
foxWit and wisdom in defence
