A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Griles family of England.
Reg. 7212 · English, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cinquefoilHope and joy
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Per fesse gu. and az. on a bend engr. betw. two lions' heads erased ar. as many crosses crosslet fitchée or, a cinquefoil pierced of the second”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Griles Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Griles arms are recorded
The Griles 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 Griles 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 Griles Family in England
The family name Griles appears to have deep roots in the historic city of York, where records confirm members of the family were living as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, York was a bustling center of trade and religion, and families like the Griles often settled in parishes near the city walls or along the River Ouse. The name likely evolved from local dialects or occupational descriptions common in Northern England at the time. Because surnames were still becoming standardized during this period, the spelling was often flexible and changed based on how a clerk heard the name spoken. Living in a major hub like York suggests that early ancestors were likely involved in the city’s vibrant merchant guilds or the skilled trades that supported the regional economy. By establishing themselves in such a prominent urban center, the early Griles family became part of the long and complex social fabric of Yorkshire history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Grylle
Middle English term for a whimsical, capricious, or irritable person.
This name
GrilesA surname derived from a nickname describing someone with a fickle or eccentric temperament.
also spelled
Gryles
Grill
Related arms
Grillvariant spelling
Charlesrecorded with Griles, same area
Glanvillerecorded with Griles, same area
Gryllsrecorded with Griles, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York: Parish Register Transcripts, 1620
York City Archives, Freemen of the City of York, 1600-1650
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cinquefoilHope and joy
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cinquefoilHope and joy
