Map of England showing where the Ohandley arms are recorded
The Ohandley 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 Ohandley 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 Ohandley Family in England
The Ohandley family name carries a history rooted in the bustling city of York during the early seventeenth century. By 1620, records indicate that members of this family were already established residents within the city walls. During this era, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and craftsmanship, meaning the Ohandley ancestors likely participated in the local guild systems or the lively merchant markets that defined the region. As the family navigated life in a city shaped by centuries of English history, they contributed to the local community through their daily labor and civic presence. Over time, the name became a distinct part of the local identity, reflecting the growth and movement of families who helped build the social fabric of northern England during the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Hanley
A clearing or meadow located near a high place or ridge.
This name
OhandleyDerived from a locational surname referring to someone from a high meadow or woodland clearing.
also spelled
Handly
Handlie
Handlay
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 Freemen’s Register
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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
stagPeace and harmony, and one who will not fight unprovoked
