Map of France showing where the Westworth arms are recorded
The Westworth arms were recorded in France, c. 1529.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Bretagne.
More families held coats of arms in Bretagne than anywhere else in France. The land was divided into many small estates rather than a few large ones, so far more households counted as gentry, and each needed a shield of its own to be told apart.
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 France in this period.
Francis I of France
Sovereign of the period
Francis I of France
1515–1547
Reigning in France when the Westworth arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Westworth Family in France
The history of the Westworth family in France begins in the rugged and independent region of Bretagne during the early sixteenth century. By 1529, records confirm that members of the family had established a presence in this coastal province, which was known for its distinct culture and maritime traditions. During this era, Bretagne was in a period of transition as it integrated more closely with the French crown while still maintaining its unique local customs and legal systems. The family likely lived as part of the local gentry or merchant class, navigating the complex social landscape of a region that served as a vital gateway for trade across the Atlantic. Their decision to settle in this area suggests they were involved in the bustling economic life of the Breton ports, where they would have interacted with sailors and traders from across Europe. Over time, the family name became woven into the local fabric of the region, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of those who lived along the wild and windswept coast of northwestern France.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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)
“Sa. a chev. betw. three leopards' faces or, a border of the last for diff”
YorkBretton · York, c. 1413
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
Map of England showing where the Westworth arms are recorded
The Westworth arms were recorded in York, c. 1413.
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.
Henry IV of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry IV of England
1399–1413
Reigning in France when the Westworth 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 Westworth Family in England
The surname Westworth finds its historical roots in the northern regions of England, specifically within the county of Yorkshire. The name is locative, meaning it was originally used to identify individuals who lived at or near a specific place known as the "west homestead" or "west enclosure." By the year 1413, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in the city of York. During this period, York was a major center for trade and religious life, and families with this name were likely involved in the local merchant guilds or the agricultural management of the surrounding countryside. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the North Riding, moving through the medieval landscape as tradespeople and landowners who helped shape the local economy of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
West-weorth
Western enclosure or homestead
This name
WestworthRefers to an individual residing at a western farmstead or settlement.
also spelled
Wentworthe
Wenteworth
Wyntworth
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives départementales d'Ille-et-Vilaine, Série B (Cours et juridictions)
Le Moyne de La Borderie, Arthur, Histoire de Bretagne, 1896
Pocquet du Haut-Jussé, Barthélemy, François II, duc de Bretagne et l'Angleterre, 1929
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bordureA difference between branches of one family
