Map of England showing where the Postlewait arms are recorded
The Postlewait arms were recorded in Cumberland, c. 1620.
Cumberland was rough border country in the north-west, facing Scotland across a disputed line. Its families held land in return for keeping it defended, and men who fought carried shields of their own.
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 Postlewait 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 Cumberland.
Origin & History of the Postlewait Family in England
The family name Postlewait originates from the rugged landscape of Northern England, specifically within the county of Cumberland. By the early 17th century, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this region, which was historically defined by its proximity to the Scottish border and its distinct local dialect. The name itself is believed to be topographical, likely derived from Old Norse or Middle English terms describing a specific clearing or piece of land. During the 1620s, families in this area were often tied to the land through agricultural labor or trade, living in small, tight-knit communities that relied on the local geography for their livelihood. As the family grew, they remained rooted in the northern traditions of the region, contributing to the local history of Cumberland through their presence in parish registers and early land records.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Postlethwaite
A clearing or meadow belonging to an apostle or religious leader.
This name
PostlewaitDerived from Old Norse words for an apostle and a forest clearing or meadow.
also spelled
Postlethwayte
Postlethwayt
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
boars headA fierce fighter who battles to the end
