Map of England showing where the Paler arms are recorded
The Paler arms were recorded in York, c. 1585.
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.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in England when the Paler 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 York.
Origin & History of the Paler Family in England
The surname Paler emerged in England as a descriptive name rooted in the medieval occupation of a pale maker. In the Middle Ages, a pale was a wooden stake or picket used to construct fences, enclosures, or defensive barriers. People who specialized in crafting these wooden materials or maintaining the boundaries of forests and estates often became known by this professional title. By the late sixteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. Records confirm that members of the Paler family were living in York by 1585, where they integrated into the local urban community. During this period, families in such cities often held positions in trade or local government, contributing to the social and economic fabric of the region as England transitioned into the early modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Pael
A pale or wooden stake used in fencing.
This name
PalerAn occupational name for a maker or fixer of wooden fences or enclosures.
also spelled
Paylar
Pailer
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1958
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records
The National Archives, Lay Subsidy Rolls for the County of York
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
