A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Longespée family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
lionCourage, strength and royaltyJ. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'azur à six lions d'or, 3, 2 et 1.”
The Longespée arms were recorded in Netherlands, c. 1256.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Friesland.
Friesland was low, wet country on the northern coast of the Netherlands, farmed by families who had held the same land for centuries. Free landholders were unusually common there, and a free landholder could carry 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.
In the Netherlands, coats of arms were often used by noble families and those who held specific public offices. These arms were passed down through the generations to legitimate descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design without needing to add special marks. This system ensured that the family identity remained clear and consistent over many years.
The name Longespée, which translates to "long sword," carries a legacy that extends beyond its famous English roots into the coastal regions of the Netherlands. Historical records indicate that members of this family were present in the province of Friesland as early as 1256. During this period, the region was characterized by a unique social structure where local leaders maintained significant autonomy. The arrival of the Longespée name in this area suggests a history of travel and connection between the influential families of Western Europe and the northern Dutch territories. While the name is often associated with the nobility of the Middle Ages, its appearance in Friesland highlights the movement of individuals across borders during a time of shifting political alliances. This early presence in the Netherlands serves as a reminder that the family was part of a broader network of people who shaped the landscape of medieval Europe through trade, military service, and regional governance.
swordJustice, and military honourSir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Gu. three swords in pale ar”
The Longespée arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
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.
Reigning in Netherlands when the Longespée arms are first recorded.
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.
The history of the Longespée name in Ireland is deeply connected to the turbulent political landscape of the seventeenth century. While the name originated from powerful Norman roots, its presence in Dublin by 1645 reflects the family's integration into the administrative and social life of the city during a time of great upheaval. At this stage in history, the family members living in Dublin were likely navigating the complex religious and land-ownership disputes that defined the era of the Irish Confederate Wars. By establishing themselves in the capital, these early settlers became part of the urban fabric of a changing Ireland, moving away from their medieval origins to become residents of a bustling colonial center. Their survival and presence in official records from this period suggest that they were active participants in the local economy and legal systems of the mid-seventeenth century.
Latin for long sword.
