A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Westall family of England.
Reg. 2985 · English, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
horseReadiness to serve king and country
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Ar. on a bend gu. betw. two falcons ppr. three garbs or, on a chief quarterly sa. and gu. the second and third quarters charged with four gouttes d'or, a horse courant of the first”
KentPinkney Green · Kent, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Westall arms are recorded
The Westall arms were recorded in Kent, c. 1620.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of 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 Westall 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 Kent.
Origin & History of the Westall Family in England
The surname Westall is a locative name, meaning it was originally used to describe someone who lived at or near a specific place. In this case, the name likely refers to someone who resided at the "west hall" or the western part of a settlement. By the early 17th century, records confirm that members of the Westall family were established in the county of Kent. During this period, Kent was a vital region for trade and agriculture, placing the family in a landscape defined by rolling hills and proximity to the English Channel. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric of the region, contributing to the rural economy and the development of the parishes where they settled. Their presence in 1620 suggests that the family was already well-integrated into the local community life of southern England long before the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
West-healh
Old English for western nook, corner, or secret place.
This name
WestallA topographic name for someone who lived in a western corner or secluded valley.
also spelled
Westall
Westill
Westle
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
Cottle, Basil, The Penguin Dictionary of Surnames, 1967
Kent Archives, Archdeaconry of Canterbury Wills and Administrations, 1620
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
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
horseReadiness to serve king and country
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
horseReadiness to serve king and country
dropletsTears, and grief borne with patience
