The Reeves Family Crest framed artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.
The origin of the name Reeves
Reeves (Reeve / Le Reeve) is an ancient English status and occupational surname derived from Old English gerefa (meaning "reeve," "steward," "manorial magistrate," or "chief officer" of a town, shire, or royal estate). Originating during the Saxon and Norman eras, the reeve held essential administrative and judicial authority over land management. Establishing prominent landed seats across Sussex, Somerset, Norfolk, and Ireland (County Kildare), the House of Reeves produced High Sheriffs, legal scholars, and parliamentary leaders. Codified early in feudal records, the name appears in the 1273 Hundred Rolls (John le Reve).
The symbolism of the Reeves coat of arms
Visually rich and structured, the Reeves coat of arms features a red shield charged with a broad chevron in vair (a heraldic fur pattern of alternating blue and golden bell-shapes), set between three argent / silver or white heraldic roses (two in chief, one in base). In classical heraldry, the red field symbolises martial courage, fortitude, and sacrifice, while the chevron in vair represents high nobility, knightly sashes of honor, architectural defense, and manorial dignity. The three silver roses denote sincerity, peace, unblemished judicial purity, and hopeful renewal across generations. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a green dragon's or wyvern's head and neck with silver spikes and a golden collar, symbolising ancient watchfulness, formidable defense of domain, and acute vigilance. Below, the motto scroll displays Animum Rege, translating to "Govern your mind." The formal recognition of this coat of arms was recorded in the Heralds' Visitations of Sussex and catalogued in Burke's Landed Gentry.
Historical figures
Sir John Reeves (17th Century): Recorded magistrate and landed gentleman in Sussex charters.
Lady Mary Reeves (17th Century): Recorded gentlewoman and benefactor in Somerset land rolls.
John Reeves (1752–1829): Famed English legal scholar, author, and King's Printer.
Product details
- Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
- Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
- Paper weight: 189 g/m²
- Lightweight & acrylite front protector
- Hanging hardware included
No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order
This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.
About the artist
Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.
Don’t see your family name?
I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️
