Map of England showing where the Hewson arms are recorded
The Hewson arms were recorded in London, c. 1614.
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 Hewson 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 Hewson Family in England
The surname Hewson is a patronymic name, which means it originated as a way to identify a person as the son of someone named Hugh. This naming tradition became common in England during the Middle Ages as populations grew and people needed more specific ways to distinguish themselves from their neighbors. By the time the family was firmly established in London in 1614, the name had already evolved from its earlier forms to become a fixed family identifier. During this period, London was a bustling center of trade and social change, and families like the Hewsons were often part of the growing merchant and artisan classes that helped shape the city. As the family moved through the seventeenth century, they became part of the fabric of English society, participating in the daily life and administrative records of a rapidly modernizing nation.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
ErmineMeans: Dignity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Quarterly, gu. and erm. an eagle displ. or, in the dexter chief quarter a lion pass. ar”
DublinDublin, c. 1652
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Map of Ireland showing where the Hewson arms are recorded
The Hewson arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1652.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Hewson Family in Ireland
The Hewson family name has deep roots in Ireland that trace back to the mid-seventeenth century. Historical records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1652, a period marked by significant political and social upheaval following the Cromwellian conquest. The name itself is of English origin, likely derived from a patronymic meaning son of Hugh, and it arrived in Ireland alongside the waves of settlers who moved to the country during this era of transformation. Once in Dublin, the family integrated into the local administrative and social structures of the city. Over the following generations, they transitioned from newcomers into a recognized part of the Irish landscape, eventually spreading from the capital into other regions such as County Kerry. Their history reflects the broader patterns of migration and settlement that shaped the demographic makeup of early modern Ireland.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hugh
Derived from the Germanic element hug meaning heart, mind, or spirit.
This name
HewsonA patronymic surname meaning son of Hugh.
also spelled
Hewsonne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, London Consistory Court Depositions, 1614
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