Coat of Arms & Family Crests Store
Gravener Coat of Arms / Gravener Family CrestThe name GRAVENER is a variant of the name Grosvenor and is from the occupational group of surnames 'the head hunter'. 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 realised 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. It is said that the family descend from an uncle of Rollo, the founder of Normandy, and that the first settler in England was Gilbert le Grosvenor, nephew of Hugh Lupus, earl of Chester, himself a nephew of the Conqueror, who arrived in England in 1066. Later records mention Robert le Grovenur, 1273, County Chester. Samuel Somers and Sarah Grosvenor, who were married at Canterbury in the year 1663. Thomas Alsopp and Mary Grossevenure were married at the same place in the year 1667. In many parts of central and western Europe, hereditary surnames began to become fixed at around the 12th century, and have developed and changed slowly over the years. As society became more complex, and such matters as the management of tenure, and in particular the collection of taxes were delegated to special functionaries, it became imperative to distinguish a more complex system of nomenclature to differentiate one individual from another. The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. |
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