Map of England showing where the Meche arms are recorded
The Meche arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Meche 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 Meche Family in England
The family name Meche traces its roots back to the early seventeenth century, with documented evidence placing family members in York by 1620. During this period, York was a bustling center of trade and religious transition, and families like the Meches were often integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes. The name itself likely evolved from regional dialects or occupational descriptions common in Northern England at the time. As the family established itself within the city, they became part of the social fabric that defined York’s growth during the Stuart era. By settling in such a significant historical hub, early members of the Meche family participated in the daily life and economic development of a city that served as a vital link between the north and the capital.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Meche
Derived from the Old French word for a wick or candle.
This name
MecheAn occupational name for a maker or seller of candles or wicks.
also spelled
Meach
Meche
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
City of York Archives, York House Books
Palliser, D.M., Tudor York, 1979
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
lionCourage, strength and royalty
