Map of England showing where the Olwell arms are recorded
The Olwell 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 Olwell 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 Olwell Family in England
The surname Olwell is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of northern England, with documented evidence placing the family in the city of York as early as 1620. During the seventeenth century, York served as a vital hub for trade and administration, and families like the Olwells were often integrated into the local merchant or artisan classes that defined the city’s economy. The name itself likely evolved from older regional dialects, reflecting the linguistic shifts common in Yorkshire during the transition into the early modern period. As residents of a prominent cathedral city, these early family members lived through a time of significant social change, witnessing the expansion of urban life and the shifting political climate of the Stuart era. By establishing themselves in York, the Olwells became part of the enduring fabric of a city that has preserved its medieval character while adapting to the needs of a growing nation.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Old Well
A location featuring an ancient or established water source.
This name
OlwellA topographic surname referring to someone who lived near an ancient or notable well.
also spelled
Wolwill
Wolwille
Wolwall
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Baines, Edward, History, Directory and Gazetteer of the County of York, 1822
The National Archives, State Papers Domestic: James I, 1619–1623
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
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