A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Westgate family of England.
Reg. 4071 · English, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
handFaith, sincerity and justice
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
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)
“Quarterly, 1st and 8th, ar. a chev. betw. three escallops sa., for LYTTELTON; 2nd, ar. a bend cotised sa. a border gu. bezantée, for WESTCOTE; 3rd, ar. a fess engr. betw. four hands gu., for QUARTERMAINE; 4th, ar. a fess gu. in chief three covered cups of the last, another coat of WESTCOTE; 5th, or, on a bend cotised sa. three boars' heads couped ar. a border of the second, for WALTER, of Come; 6th, per pale or and az. on a chief gu. three lions' faces of the first, for COLLACOTE; 7th, az. on a chev. ar. three mullets sa., for ROBERTS”
DevonRaddon · Devon, c. 1620
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Map of England showing where the Westgate arms are recorded
The Westgate arms were recorded in Devon, c. 1620.
Devon was a county of small manors and seafaring families. Its gentry were spread thickly across the countryside, and money made at sea often bought an estate, which in turn brought a coat 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 Westgate 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 Devon.
Origin & History of the Westgate Family in England
The surname Westgate is a locational name that originated in medieval England to describe people who lived near the western gate of a walled town or a manor. Because many towns featured fortified entrances, families living near these landmarks often adopted the name to distinguish themselves from others in the community. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Devon. Records confirm that members of the Westgate family were living in this region by 1620, likely working as farmers or tradespeople in the rural landscape of the West Country. As the name spread from its original geographic roots, it became a permanent identifier for families who were deeply connected to the local history and development of their specific parishes.
Westgate Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
West and Geat
Western direction and an opening, passage, or gate.
This name
WestgateA topographical name for someone who lived near the western gate of a town or fortification.
also spelled
Westcott
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
Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Parish Registers of Devon, 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
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
handFaith, sincerity and justice
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
handFaith, sincerity and justice
cupFaith, office, and a trust discharged
