A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Knowles family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1929 · Britain, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'azur semé de croix recr. d'or; à la croix nillée du même, br. sur le tout: aux 2 et 3 de gu. au chev. d'arg., ch. de trois roses du champ. C.: un éléphant d'arg. D.: SEMPER PARATUS.”
BerkshireBerkshire, c. 1765
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Map of Britain showing where the Knowles arms are recorded
The Knowles arms were recorded in Berkshire, c. 1765.
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 Britain in this period.
George III of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George III of Great Britain
1760–1801
Reigning in Britain when the Knowles arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
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 Berkshire.
Origin & History of the Knowles Family in Britain
The surname Knowles is a topographic name that originated in medieval England to describe people who lived near a small, rounded hill or a knoll. The word comes from the Middle English term "knol," which refers to a hilltop or a mound of earth. As surnames became common during the Middle Ages, families were often identified by the specific landscape features near their homes. By the time the family was firmly established in Berkshire in 1765, the name had already been in use for several centuries across various English counties. Families with this name were typically part of the rural population, often working in agriculture or local trades that were essential to the life of the English countryside. Over generations, the spelling evolved from early variations like Knol or Knollis into the modern form we recognize today.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Gu. on a chev. ar. three roses vert, barbed and seeded of the field, on a canton of the second a fleur-de-lis of the first”
NorthamptonCole Ashby · Northampton, c. 1580
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Map of England showing where the Knowles arms are recorded
The Knowles arms were recorded in Northampton, c. 1580.
Northamptonshire was grazing and hunting country in the middle of England, thick with manor houses. Its families were numerous and long-settled, and a settled landed family almost always ended up with 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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Britain when the Knowles 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 Northampton.
Origin & History of the Knowles Family in England
The surname Knowles originated in England as a topographical name, which means it was used to describe the specific landscape where a person lived. The word "knoll" refers to a small, rounded hill or a grassy mound, and early ancestors likely earned the name by residing near such a feature. By the late 16th century, the family had established a notable presence in Northampton, as evidenced by records dating back to 1580. During this period, the name was often spelled in various ways, such as Knolles or Knollys, reflecting the inconsistent spelling habits of the time. As the family grew, they integrated into the local community, contributing to the agricultural and social life of the English Midlands. This connection to the land remained a defining characteristic of the family identity for many generations.
Knowles Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
cnoll
Old English term for a small hill or rounded knoll.
This name
KnowlesA topographic name for someone who lived near a small, rounded hill.
also spelled
Knowls
Knoles
Noles
Knolles
Knollys
Related arms
Knollys de Thamesimilar arms
Knolesvariant spelling
Knollesvariant spelling
Knollysvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
Berkshire Record Office, Parish Registers of Berkshire, 1765
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
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
cross symbolChristian faith and service
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
