A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Furnival family of England.
Reg. 0686 · English, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Ar. a bend betw. six mascles gu”
NorfolkEarls · Norfolk, c. 1295
Where the Furnival Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Furnival arms are recorded
The Furnival arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1295.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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.
Edward I of England
Sovereign of the period
Edward I of England
1272–1307
Reigning in England when the Furnival 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Furnival Family in England
The Furnival family name is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, originating as a locative surname derived from the place name Fourneville in the Normandy region of France. Following the Norman Conquest, members of the family settled across various parts of Britain, establishing a notable presence in Norfolk by 1295. During this era, surnames were often used to identify a person by their place of origin or their specific connection to a local manor. As the family integrated into English society, they became part of the landed gentry, often appearing in legal documents and tax records related to land ownership and local administration. Their transition from continental origins to established residents of Norfolk reflects the broader movement of families who helped shape the social and economic structure of the English countryside during the late thirteenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Fourneville
A place name derived from the Old French for oven town.
This name
FurnivalRefers to an individual who originated from the village of Fourneville in Normandy.
also spelled
Furnivell
Furnyvall
Related arms
Fournivallvariant spelling
Belasyserecorded with Furnival, same area
Bellomontrecorded with Furnival, same area
Bohunrecorded with Furnival, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
The National Archives, Feet of Fines for the County of Norfolk, CP 25/1/158/119, 1295
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
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
masclePersuasion and the mail of a knight's coat
