Map of England showing where the Tew arms are recorded
The Tew arms were recorded in York, c. 1620.
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 Tew 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 Tew Family in England
The surname Tew is rooted in the landscape of medieval England, where it likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a specific landmark or a small settlement. While the name is relatively rare, historical records confirm that families bearing the name were well-established in the city of York by the early seventeenth century. During this period, York was a significant center for trade and administration, and individuals named Tew were active participants in the local community. These early family members were often documented in parish registers and legal papers, which provide a glimpse into their lives as citizens of a bustling northern English city. By 1620, the presence of the Tew name in York suggests that the family had already been rooted in the region for generations, contributing to the local economy and social fabric long before the era of mass migration.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
plant quatrefoilGood fortune and the fourfold gospel
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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)
“Az. three quatrefoils ar”
MeathRaddinstown · Meath, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Tew arms are recorded
The Tew arms were recorded in Meath, c. 1645.
Meath was the best farmland in Ireland and the old seat of its high kings. Norman families took it early and held it, and land of that quality kept the same families on it for centuries.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Tew arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Meath.
Origin & History of the Tew Family in Ireland
The history of the Tew family in Ireland is deeply rooted in the mid-seventeenth century, specifically within the region of County Meath. By 1645, records indicate that members of the family were established in this area, which was a time of significant political and social transition in the country. The name is believed to have arrived in Ireland through English settlers who moved across the Irish Sea during the periods of plantation and colonization. Once settled in Meath, the family integrated into the local landscape, likely participating in the agricultural and administrative life of the region. Over the following generations, the Tews became part of the landed gentry, often associated with local governance and the management of estates. Their presence in Meath serves as a clear example of how families from Britain established lasting roots in Ireland during a tumultuous era of history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Tew
Derived from the Old English word for a boundary or enclosure.
This name
TewA topographic name for someone who lived near a boundary marker or a specific enclosed piece of land.
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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Archives: Parish Register Transcripts
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
plant quatrefoilGood fortune and the fourfold gospel
