A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Lemley family of England.
Reg. 6467 · English, J–L
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
parrotEloquence, and travel in distant lands
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“Gu. six martlets ar., original arms, and after the marriage of Sir ROBERT DE LUMLEY, temp. Edward II., with LUCIA, sister and co-heir of WILLIAM DE THWENG, Baron Thweng, of Kilton Castle, co. York, the arms of that family, viz., Or, a fess gu. betw. three parrots ppr. collared of the second”
Englandc. 1384
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Map of England showing where the Lemley arms are recorded
The Lemley arms were recorded in England, c. 1384.
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.
Richard II of England
Sovereign of the period
Richard II of England
1377–1399
Reigning in England when the Lemley 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 Lemley Family in England
The surname Lemley traces its roots back to the medieval period in England, with historical evidence placing members of the family in the city of York as early as 1384. During this era, York was a major center for trade and craftsmanship, and families living there were often involved in the bustling wool industry or local guild activities. The name likely evolved as a locative or descriptive identifier, helping to distinguish individuals within the growing urban population of the late fourteenth century. As the family moved through the centuries, they adapted to the changing social landscape of Northern England, transitioning from the medieval guild system into the broader economic shifts of the early modern period. By maintaining a presence in such a significant historical hub, the early Lemleys were part of the foundational development of English civic life.
Lemley Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Lamech
Derived from the Hebrew name meaning powerful or devouring.
This name
LemleyA locational surname originating from the village of Lemley in Devon, England.
also spelled
Lumly
Lumlay
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
York City Archives, York Memorandum Book, Volume A/Y (1384)
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
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
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
parrotEloquence, and travel in distant lands
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
parrotEloquence, and travel in distant lands
