[Illustration] Descended from Richard de Cotes, who was probably son
of Thomas de Cotes, living in 1157, when the Black Book of the
Exchequer was compiled. About the reign of Henry VI. the family
removed to Woodcote, in Shropshire, which has since continued the
principal seat, though the more ancient manor of Cotes or "Kothes,"
on the banks of the Sow, has ever remained the property of this
ancient house.
See Blakeway's Sheriffs of Shropshire, p. 103; and Erdeswick, p.
122.
ARMS.--_Quarterly ermine and paly of six or and gules_. According to
the Visitation of Shropshire in 1623, the ermine was borne in the
third and fourth quarter. Erdeswick observes, "It would seem that
the Cotes's should derive themselves from the Knightleys, or else
they do the Knightleys wrong by usurping their armoury." It may be
remarked that Robert, third in descent from the first Robert de
Cotes, married a daughter of Richard de Knightley, and from hence
perhaps the arms.
Present Representative, John Cotes, Esq.