Map of England showing where the Lewing arms are recorded
The Lewing arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Lewing 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Lewing Family in England
The family name Lewing finds its early roots in the fertile landscape of Kent, England, where records confirm members of the family were established by the year 1620. During this period, Kent was a hub of agricultural activity and maritime trade, placing the family in a region characterized by both local farming traditions and the influence of nearby coastal ports. The name itself likely evolved from Old English naming conventions, reflecting the linguistic shifts occurring in southern England as local dialects transitioned over several centuries. Families living in Kent during the early seventeenth century often participated in the local parish system, which served as the primary way for the government to track births, marriages, and deaths. By settling in this specific region, the early Lewings were part of a stable community that navigated the social and economic changes of the Stuart era, helping to anchor the name within the historical fabric of the English countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Ar. a bend engr. sa. betw. two trefoils slipped vert”
MayoCloghans · Mayo, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Lewing arms are recorded
The Lewing arms were recorded in Mayo, c. 1645.
Mayo was poor western Irish country of bog and mountain, held by a small number of old families. Land changed hands rarely there, and families who held on appear in the records.
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.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Lewing arms are first recorded.
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 Mayo.
Origin & History of the Lewing Family in Ireland
The history of the Lewing family in Ireland is rooted in the rugged landscape of County Mayo, where records confirm their presence by 1645. During this period, Ireland was undergoing significant political upheaval, and families like the Lewings were often caught in the transition between older Gaelic traditions and the changing administrative structures of the seventeenth century. While the name is not as widespread as others in the region, its survival in Mayo suggests that the family held a stable position within the local community. They likely lived as tenant farmers or small landowners who navigated the complex land ownership laws of the time. By staying in the west of Ireland, the family remained connected to the unique cultural and linguistic environment of Connacht, which helped shape their identity throughout the following centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Leofwine
Old English compound meaning dear or beloved friend.
This name
LewingA patronymic surname derived from the Old English personal name meaning beloved friend.
also spelled
Lewyn
Lewing
Lewyne
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Everitt, Alan, The Community of Kent and the Great Rebellion, 1640-1660, 1966
Kent Archives, Canterbury Cathedral Archives: Parish Register Transcripts, 1620
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
trefoilPerpetuity, and the Trinity
