A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gladwin family of England.
Reg. 1967 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
swordJustice, and military honour
Colours
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Erm. a chief az. over all on a bend gu. a sword ar. hilt and pommel or”
EnglandColdaston, c. 1686
Where the Gladwin Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Gladwin arms are recorded
The Gladwin arms were recorded in Coldaston, c. 1686.
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 II of England
Sovereign of the period
James II of England
1685–1688
Reigning in England when the Gladwin 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 Gladwin Family in England
The surname Gladwin is rooted in Old English origins, derived from the personal name Glædwine, which combines the words for bright or glad and friend. This name was common in England long before the use of hereditary surnames became standard practice. By the late seventeenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Gladwin family were living there by 1686, likely participating in the vibrant trade and civic life of the region during the Restoration period. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of Northern England, moving through the changing landscapes of the industrial and pre-industrial eras while maintaining the legacy of their ancient name.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Glædwine
Old English elements meaning bright or glad and friend.
This name
GladwinA name signifying a cheerful, bright, or joyous friend.
also spelled
Gladwyn
Gladwynn
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
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York, Parish Registers of York St. Michael le Belfrey, PR.Y/MB
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chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
swordJustice, and military honour
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
swordJustice, and military honour
