A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Winsor family of Wales.
Reg. 3475 · Welsh, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cross symbolChristian faith and service
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
cinquefoilHope and joy
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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 4th, per saltire az. and or, two cinquefoils in fess and three cross crosslets in chief and as many in base counterchanged, for WINSOR; 2nd and 3rd, vairé ar. and sa. on a pile of the first three mullets in chief of the second, for BENYON”
DenbighGwersyllt · Denbigh, c. 1867
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 Wales showing where the Winsor arms are recorded
The Winsor arms were recorded in Denbigh, c. 1867.
Denbighshire was north Welsh country of hills and small estates. Land was held by a great many families rather than a few, and each holding brought its own claim to 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 Wales in this period.
Victoria
Sovereign of the period
Victoria
1837–1901
Reigning in Wales when the Winsor arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Wales
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 Denbigh.
Origin & History of the Winsor Family in Wales
The surname Winsor is primarily of English origin, deriving from the Old English words "windels" and "ora," which together describe a place situated on a riverbank with a winding path. Historically, families bearing this name were often associated with the town of Windsor in Berkshire, though over many centuries, the name spread across various regions of the British Isles. By the mid-19th century, the family had established a notable presence in Denbigh, Wales. Records from 1867 confirm that members of the Winsor family were living and working within this historic market town during a period of significant industrial and social change. As these families settled into local life, they became part of the fabric of the community, contributing to the development of the region while maintaining the legacy of their ancestral name.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Winn-ora
Old English terms for a riverbank or meadow near a stream.
This name
WinsorRefers to a dweller by a riverbank or a specific settlement located near a winding stream.
also spelled
Wynsor
Wynsore
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Denbighshire Archives, Parish Registers of Denbigh, 1867
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cross symbolChristian faith and service
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
cinquefoilHope and joy
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
cross symbolChristian faith and service
pileWell-doing, and a mark of distinction
cinquefoilHope and joy
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
