Map of England showing where the Woolner arms are recorded
The Woolner arms were recorded in Warwick, c. 1620.
Warwickshire lay in the middle of England, and its landed families were spread evenly across it rather than gathered in one corner. A great many held a single manor each, and each of those holdings brought its own claim to 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 Woolner 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 Warwick.
Origin & History of the Woolner Family in England
The surname Woolner is rooted in the occupational history of medieval England, likely originating as a descriptive name for someone who worked with wool. During the Middle Ages, the wool trade was the backbone of the English economy, and people were often identified by their specific role in processing or selling the fiber. By the year 1620, records confirm that the Woolner family had established a notable presence in the historic town of Warwick. This location was a significant center for commerce and administration, suggesting that early family members were integrated into the local trade networks of the region. Over time, the name evolved from its functional beginnings into a stable hereditary surname that traveled with the family as they moved through different parishes and counties.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Wulfnoth
Derived from Old English elements meaning wolf and courage or force.
This name
WoolnerA patronymic surname originating from the Old English personal name Wulfnoth, meaning wolf-courage.
also spelled
Woulmer
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
Warwickshire County Record Office, Parish Registers of St. Mary’s, Warwick, 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
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
escallopThe pilgrim's shell, and a long journey made
