Map of England showing where the Woolhouse arms are recorded
The Woolhouse arms were recorded in Derby, c. 1611.
Derbyshire had lead mines in its hills and good grazing in its valleys. Both made steady money, and families who made it bought manors, which is what put their names into the heraldic records.
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 Woolhouse 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 Derby.
Origin & History of the Woolhouse Family in England
The surname Woolhouse is a classic example of a locative name, which means it was originally used to identify people by the place where they lived or worked. In medieval England, a "woolhouse" was a specific building used for the storage and processing of raw wool, which was the most important commodity in the national economy at the time. Families who took this name were likely involved in the thriving wool trade, perhaps serving as merchants or caretakers of these storage facilities. By the early 17th century, the family had established a notable presence in Derby. Records confirm that members of the Woolhouse family were living in the town by 1611, participating in the local community during a period when Derby was growing as a center for trade and craftsmanship. This connection to the wool industry suggests that the family were skilled workers who played a practical role in the economic life of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wull-hus
Old English for wool and house or dwelling.
This name
WoolhouseA person who lived or worked at a house used for storing wool.
also spelled
Woulhouse
Related arms
Worlhousevariant spelling
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
Derbyshire Record Office, Derby St Alkmund Parish Registers, 1611
Reaney, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
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paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
