A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Glanville family of England.
Reg. 1679 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 chief indented sa”
Englandc. 1574
Where the Glanville Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Glanville arms are recorded
The Glanville arms were recorded in England, c. 1574.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Glanville 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 Glanville Family in England
The surname Glanville is rooted in the landscape of medieval France, specifically originating from the village of Glanville in Normandy. Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, members of the family crossed the channel to establish themselves as prominent landowners and administrators within the new English social hierarchy. Over the following centuries, the family name spread across various regions of the country as individuals sought new opportunities in trade and local government. By the year 1574, records confirm that members of the Glanville family were well-established residents of York. During this period, the family likely integrated into the city’s bustling merchant class, contributing to the local economy and civic life of one of England’s most historic northern hubs.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Glanville-sur-Risle
A village in Normandy, France, derived from the Germanic name Glan.
This name
GlanvilleRefers to an individual who originated from the town of Glanville in Normandy.
also spelled
Glanvil
Related arms
Charlesrecorded with Glanville, same area
Grilesrecorded with Glanville, same area
Gryllsrecorded with Glanville, same area
Halghwell, or Halwellrecorded with Glanville, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1574
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chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
