A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Freemantle family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 4178 · French, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“De sin. à trois fasces d'herm., acc. en chef de deux bes. d'arg.; au lion de gu., sommé d'une couronne murale d'or, br. sur le tout. Cq. timbré d'une couronne murale d'or. C.: un lion iss. de gu., l'épaule ch. d'un bes. d'arg., tenant de ses pattes une bannière éc. d'arg. et de sin., la trabe d'or. S.: deux aigles de sa. D.: NEC PRECE NEC PRETIO.”
Francec. 1816
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Map of France showing where the Freemantle arms are recorded
The Freemantle arms were recorded in France, c. 1816.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Freemantle Family in France
The family name Freemantle carries a distinct history that traces back to the rugged landscapes of Brittany, France. While the name is often associated with later migration patterns, records confirm that family members were firmly established in the Breton region by 1816. During this period, Brittany was a place of significant social transition following the Napoleonic era. Families living in this area were often deeply connected to the local agricultural economy and the unique maritime culture of the French coast. The name likely functioned as a descriptor for individuals who held specific roles or lived in particular locations within the province. By settling in Brittany, these early ancestors became part of a long tradition of regional identity that defined the social fabric of northwestern France during the early nineteenth century.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Vert three bars erm. surmounted by a lion ramp. gu. murally crowned or, in chief two plates”
Englandc. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Freemantle arms are recorded
The Freemantle 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 France when the Freemantle 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 Freemantle Family in England
The family name Freemantle traces its roots to the landscape of medieval England, where it emerged as a locational surname derived from the Old French words for a specific type of cloak or mantle. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were living and working within this northern hub, which was a center for trade and religious life at the time. During this period, the name was often associated with families who held land or maintained professional roles in local parishes. As the family moved through the generations, they became part of the social fabric of northern England, contributing to the growth of their communities while maintaining their connection to the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Froid Manteau
Old French for cold cloak or mantle.
This name
FreemantleA locational surname referring to someone living in a cold or exposed area.
also spelled
Fremantel
Fremantl
Framantle
Fremontel
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, État civil de la commune de Rennes (1816)
Le Moyne de La Borderie, Arthur, Histoire de Bretagne, 1905
Meyer, Jean, Histoire de la Bretagne, 1966
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
