A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Freville family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 0960 · Irish, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Or, a cross patonce gu”
Irelandc. 1327
Where the Freville Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Freville arms are recorded
The Freville arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1327.
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.
Edward II of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward II of England
1307–1327
Reigning in Ireland when the Freville 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 Freville Family in Ireland
The Freville family name first appeared in the historical record of Ireland during the early fourteenth century, specifically within the bustling urban environment of Dublin. By 1327, members of the family were already established as residents in the city, suggesting they were part of the wave of settlers who moved to Ireland following the Norman expansion. During this period, Dublin served as a primary administrative and commercial hub, and families like the Frevilles were often involved in the legal or mercantile activities that defined the city’s growth. While the name originated from French roots, its presence in medieval Dublin highlights how families integrated into the local social structure of the time. They lived alongside other colonial families, contributing to the evolving civic life of a city that was becoming a central point for trade and governance in the region.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
vairProtection, and the winter fur
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
VairMeans: Protection
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. on a cross gu. a cross lozengy vair”
WarwickTamworth · Warwick, c. 1620
Where the Freville Arms Were Recorded
Warwick
Map of England showing where the Freville arms are recorded
The Freville arms were recorded in Warwick, c. 1620.
Warwickshire lay in the middle of England, and its landed families were spread evenly across it rather than gathered in one corner. A great many held a single manor each, and each of those holdings brought its own claim to 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 Ireland when the Freville 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 Warwick.
Origin & History of the Freville Family in England
The surname Freville carries a long history that traces its roots back to the arrival of Norman settlers in England. While the name originated in France, members of the family established themselves in the English countryside over many centuries. By the early 17th century, historical records confirm that the Freville family had a notable presence in the county of Warwick. In 1620, the family was well-integrated into the local community, living as landowners who participated in the social and economic life of the region. This period was a time of significant change in England, and families like the Frevilles played a quiet but steady role in the development of their local parishes. Their transition from continental origins to becoming established residents of Warwickshire highlights the way many families settled into English life during the post-medieval era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Friville
A place name derived from Old French meaning cold town.
This name
FrevilleRefers to an individual originating from the commune of Friville in France.
also spelled
Frevyle
Frevil
Related arms
Frevilvariant spelling
Fulwoodrecorded with Freville, same area
Montfortrecorded with Freville, same area
Philipsrecorded with Freville, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
The National Archives of Ireland, Justiciary Rolls of Ireland
The National Archives (UK), Calendar of the Justiciary Rolls, or, Proceedings in the Court of the Justiciar of Ireland
Mills, James, Calendar of the Justiciary Rolls, or, Proceedings in the Court of the Justiciar of Ireland: I to VII Years of Edward II, 1905
Otway-Ruthven, Annette Jocelyn, A History of Medieval Ireland, 1968
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cross symbolChristian faith and service
cross symbolChristian faith and service
