Map of England showing where the Rothwell arms are recorded
The Rothwell 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 Rothwell 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 Rothwell Family in England
The surname Rothwell is a locational name that originated from several places in England, most notably in Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name itself comes from Old English words meaning a spring or a stream located near a clearing. By the early 17th century, the family had established a firm presence in the city of York, where records confirm members were living and working by 1620. During this period, families with this name were often involved in local trade and civic life, reflecting the growth of northern English towns during the late Renaissance. As the family expanded, they moved throughout the region, but their deep roots in the historic city of York remain a defining part of their early documented history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Rauðr and Wielle
Old Norse for red and Old English for a spring or stream.
This name
RothwellRefers to a person who lived near a red-colored spring or stream.
also spelled
Rothwill
Rodwell
Related arms
Amyattrecorded with Rothwell, same area
Bealerecorded with Rothwell, same area
Bruynerecorded with Rothwell, same area
Homesrecorded with Rothwell, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Accounts, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
