A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Grevile family of England.
Reg. 2543 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Sa. on a cross engr. or, five pellets, in the first quarter a mullet of the second, on a chief chequy gold and az. a griffin pass. erm”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Grevile Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Grevile arms are recorded
The Grevile 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 England when the Grevile 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 Grevile Family in England
The family name Grevile traces its roots back to the medieval period, emerging as a surname derived from place names in Normandy. By the time the family established a presence in York during the early seventeenth century, they were already part of a long tradition of English social and economic life. In 1620, the Grevile family members living in York were likely involved in the bustling trade and civic activities that defined the city as a major northern hub. During this era, families often moved to urban centers to take advantage of new commercial opportunities or to participate in the growing legal and administrative systems of the time. The transition of the Grevile name into the records of York reflects the broader movement of families across England as they sought to secure their status and livelihoods in a changing society.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gravelle
Old French term referring to a sandy or gravelly place.
This name
GrevileA locational surname originally denoting someone who lived near a gravelly area or riverbed.
also spelled
Grevile
Gryvill
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
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
