Shropshire's Punning Heraldry

Basnett

There are thousands of arms in the book The Armorial Bearings of Shropshire Families from a MS of the Late George Morris, of Shrewsbury, and many of the surnames listed therein would have been perfect for punning arms but alas, most are a missed opportunity.  

All is not entirely lost however and there are more than enough to make an interesting project. Some, like the arms of Richard Archer, Sheriff, 1431, can be easilly guessed and those of Arundel are perhaps well known in heraldic circles, Barzy is a nice one that I may have a go at emblazoning as it is barry and Benbow, a bent bow, will also contribute to this project but what caught my eye most in this early stage were the arms of Basnett, for no other reason than when I met my lady wife over half a century ago she lived in a cottage in Basnett's Wood. 

Basnett, Argent, a chevron Gules between three profile helmets Proper 2 & 1.

Crest: A dexter arm embowed in armour, holding in the hand a falchion all Proper.

These arms feature upon a Monument at Baschurch to William Basnett, of that place and of Wikey. Also of St. Martins-in-the-Fields, Justice of the Peace for Co. Middlesex.

The Arms of Basnett, of Baschurch. 

The surname Basnett is primarily an English and Irish name of Norman origin, originating as an occupational term for a maker or wearer of a "basinet" (a type of medieval helmet) or derived from the Old English word "bas" (low stature). It is historically associated with Shropshire, England.