Back
Home Introduction Roll of Arms Roll by theme Civic heraldry Education Rulers Churches People & families

De Breos, Lords of Gower

Blazon

Arms of William (VII) de Breos (1260 - 1326)

Shield: Azure, crusilly and a lion rampant queue fourché Or.

Crest: An eagle rising regardant Proper.

The De Breos's were lords of Gower for most of the period between 1203 to 1326. The family originated in Briouze in Normandy came to Britain with William the Conquerer in 1066.

Various coats of arms are attributed to the de Breos lords, although the accuracy of some of the attributions is subject to doubt.

William (III) de Breos was the first of the de Breos lords of Gower and was given the lordship by King John in 1203 but deprived of it again in 1208. According to Matthew Parris, his arms were Per pale Azure and Gules, three garbs Or, but Parris is not regarded as a reliable source.

Reginald de Breos, a son of William, was restored to the lordship of Gower after King John's death in 1216. His arms were Barry of six vair Gules and Ermine and Azure.