barrell
family name origin
The surname of BARRELL was derived from the Old French word 'baril' an
occupational name 'a maker of casks and barrels' a cooper. Occupational
surnames originally denoted the actual occupation followed by the individual
At what period they became hereditary is a difficult problem. Many of the
occupation names were descriptive and could be varied. In the Middle Ages,
at least among the Christian population, people did not usually pursue
specialized occupations exclusively to the extent that we do today, and
they would, in fact, turn their hand to any form of work that needed to
be done, particularly in a large house or mansion, or on farms and smallholdings.
In early documents, surnames often refer to the actual holder of an office,
whether the church or state. The name was also locational 'of Barwell'
a parish in County Leicestershire. Local names usually denoted where a
man held his land, and where he actually lived. The small villages of Europe,
or royal and noble households, even large religious dwellings and monastries,
gave rise to many family names, which reflected the occupation or profession
of the original bearer of the name. Following the Crusades in Europe in
the 11th 12th and 13th centuries a need was felt for an additional name.
This was recognized by those of gentle birth, who realized that it added
prestige and practical advantage to their status. At first the coat of
arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield
and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing
the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his
followers, was the-insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his
surcoat, the draped and flowing garment worn over the armour. Early records
of the name mention Turston Baril, 1166 County Norfolk. William Baril,
1185 County Worcestershire. Robert Barrell of County Somerset, registered
at Oxford University in 1600.
The associated arms are recorded in Burkes
General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884.
GRANT OF ARMS THREE
TIMES
ARMS -Ermine on a chief azure three talbots heads erased argent
CREST -A talbots head couped argent eared gules
MOTTO- REVIRESCO I flourish again
From Harleian Manuscript Grantees of Arms to the End of the XVII
Century: BARRELL, Frances, Rochester, 3 Feb. 1664-5. Bysshe's Grants, fo.
25, Her. Coll.; Harl. M.S. 1105, fo. 21b.
BARRELL father of Gilbert of Isleworth Middlesex; Add. M.S. 4966,
fo. 34b
Barrell Francis, Rochester, 3 Feb 1664-5. Byssbe's Grants, fo 25,
Har. Coll,; Harl. MS. 1105, fo. 21b.
Grant of arms: William Bounshill co. Hereford 1568: by Cooke. Harl.
M.S. 1359, fo. 89; 1422, fo. 51b
Arms: Ermine on a Chief Azure a Talbot's Head in the dexter point
couped Argent earred Gules.
Crest: A Talbot's Head couped Argent earred Gules.
Barrell (Herefordshire) Erm. on a chief az. a talbot's head in the
dexter point couped ar. eared gu. Crest-A talbots head couped
ar. eared gu.
Barrell (Rochester, co. Kent). Erm. on a chief az. three talbots
heads erased ar.
Barrell (Rochester, co. Kent). Erm. on a chief sa. three talbots
heads erased of the first.