A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Notley family of England.
Reg. 4190 · English, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
ErmineMeans: Dignity
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, or, on a bend cotised az. three bezants, for NOTLEY; 2nd and 3rd, gu. a chev. erm. betw. three goats' heads erased ar., for MARWOOD”
SomersetCombe Sydenham · Somerset, c. 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Notley arms are recorded
The Notley arms were recorded in Somerset, c. 1620.
Somerset was rich farming country with a thick scattering of manor houses. Its gentry 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.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Notley 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 Somerset.
Origin & History of the Notley Family in England
The surname Notley is a locative name, meaning it likely originated from a specific place rather than a trade or a nickname. Etymologists believe the name is derived from the Old English words "hnutu," meaning nut, and "leah," meaning a clearing or meadow. This suggests that the earliest ancestors of the family lived near a clearing where nut trees grew. By the year 1620, historical records confirm that the Notley family was well-established in the county of Somerset in England. During this period, families often lived in the same rural parishes for generations, working the land and contributing to the local community. As the family grew, members spread from their original settlements into neighboring villages, carrying the name across the West Country and eventually further afield.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
hnut-leah
Old English for nut tree and a woodland clearing or meadow.
This name
NotleyA topographical name referring to someone who lived near a clearing where nut trees grew.
also spelled
Notlie
Notly
Notlay
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Ekwall, Eilert. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names. 1960
Reaney, P.H. A Dictionary of British Surnames. 1958
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
