Map of England showing where the Heyteasbury arms are recorded
The Heyteasbury arms were recorded in Wilts, c. 1620.
Wiltshire was sheep country, and wool made money steadily for hundreds of years. Families who made it bought manors on the downs, and holding a manor was the usual reason to take 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 Heyteasbury 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 Wilts.
Origin & History of the Heyteasbury Family in England
The surname Heyteasbury is deeply rooted in the geography of Wiltshire, taking its name from the historic village of Heytesbury. During the early seventeenth century, the family established a firm presence in this region, with records confirming their residence in the area by 1620. The name itself reflects the Old English origins of the village, which was historically known as Hegtrebesbury. This name likely described a fortified place or a stronghold associated with a person named Hegtreb. As the family settled into the local community, they became part of the long tradition of rural life in the Wylye Valley. By living in such a distinct location, the family name became permanently linked to the landscape and the agricultural history of Wiltshire.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Heytesbury
Derived from the Old English words for enclosed land and a fortification.
This name
HeyteasburyRefers to a specific settlement in Wiltshire, historically recorded as Hegtredesbyri, meaning Hegtred's fortified place.
also spelled
Hetesbury
Heytesberie
Heytesbery
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Gover, J.E.B., Mawer, A., and Stenton, F.M., The Place-Names of Wiltshire, 1939
Crowley, D.A., A History of the County of Wiltshire: Volume 8, 1965
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, Wiltshire Parish Registers and Bishop’s Transcripts
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
