Map of England showing where the Helles arms are recorded
The Helles 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 Helles 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 Helles Family in England
The family name Helles carries a deep history rooted in the northern regions of England. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Helles family were firmly established in the city of York. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religious life, which likely provided the family with opportunities to work as merchants or skilled craftspeople. The name itself is thought to be topographic, meaning it may have originally described a person who lived near a specific landmark, such as a slope or a hidden valley. As the family grew, they became part of the local community fabric, contributing to the social and economic development of the city during the early seventeenth century. Their presence in such a significant historical hub suggests they were well-integrated into the daily life of the region long before the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hel
Old Norse term referring to the underworld or a hidden place.
This name
HellesA locative surname for someone who lived near a hidden or secluded valley.
also spelled
Hellis
Hellys
Hele
Related arms
Helevariant spelling
Hellisvariant spelling
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
Hey, David, York: The Making of a City, 2013
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic, James I
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
