A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Pleydell family of England.
Reg. 6359 · English, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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, ar. a bend gu. guttée of the field betw. two choughs of the second, a chief chequy or and sa., for PLEYDELL; 2nd and 3rd, quarterly, gu. and erm., 1st and 4th, a goat's head erased or, for MORTON”
DorsetWhatcombe · Dorset, c. 1620
Where the Pleydell Arms Were Recorded
Dorset
Map of England showing where the Pleydell arms are recorded
The Pleydell arms were recorded in Dorset, c. 1620.
Dorset was quiet farming and grazing country along the south coast. Its gentry were middling rather than grand, but they held their manors for a very long time, and long holding is what puts a name in the records.
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 Pleydell 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 Dorset.
Origin & History of the Pleydell Family in England
The surname Pleydell is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, likely originating as a topographic name for someone who lived near a specific local landmark or a piece of land known by that term. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Dorset, where they integrated into the local social and economic fabric. Historical records from 1620 confirm that members of the family were active in this region, participating in the agricultural and civic life of the area. As the family grew, they became landowners and community figures, helping to shape the rural development of southern England. Their history reflects the broader movement of families who transitioned from local landholders to established members of the provincial gentry during the Stuart period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Plaid
A Middle English term referring to a garment or blanket.
This name
PleydellA topographical or occupational name for someone who wore or dealt in blankets.
also spelled
Plaidell
Playdell
Related arms
Evertonrecorded with Pleydell, same area
Forlesserecorded with Pleydell, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Hutchins, John. The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset. 1774
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chequyConstancy, and the counting-board
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
goats headWisdom, and one who wins by policy rather than force
