Coat of Arms heraldry brief description

Typical Coat of Arms details

What is Heraldry, Heraldry began in Europe. When armour came in use during battles across europe, warriors were faced with a problem. Encased in metal suits with visors closed all warriors looked alike. The only way that one warrior could be identified from another was by the design on his shield. The shield was therefore paramount in identifiying which side you were on. In early days the shield decoration was basic but it ould be seen over a distance. The same design was embroided on the surcoat which was worn over the armour, this was called the Coat of Arms (Blazon) . As years went by the decoration on the shield or garments got to be more elaborate but the purpose was the same - identification.

The Coat of Arms is typically broken down into 7 segments these are as follows, Crest - The terminology of "Crest" is probably the most misused word in Heraldry. It is assumed that the whole Coat of Arms is called a Crest, this is not the case. The Crest is a small decoration which sits on the helm. Most commonly the crest may be an arrangement of feathers known as the panache. As time went by the crest was decorated to be more fanciful. Please review the Coat of Arms dictionary for full details of parts which make-up the Coat of Arms/Crest Shield - Also referred to as the Coat of Arms to the individual it was granted, the shield comes in many different shapes, sizes, colours and patterns and was the most common way of expressing who you were in battle. Surname - This signifies the name of the bearer of the Coat of Arms. Motto - Most commonly written in Latin, mottoes are suspected to have started out as battle cries before conflict. Helm - Basically this is derived from the helmets worn during conflict, the helm type and position signifies the rank of the individual bearing the arms. The helm is roughly broken down to 4 types, Sovereign, Peer, Baronet or Knight and Esquire/Gentleman. Helm's that are facing forwards (towards you) signifies Royalty, Baronet's or knights and when the helm if facing sideways it signifies Peer, Esquire or Gentleman. Mantle - The mantlin is the name given to the folds of fabric which fall from the helm and drapes over the shield. The name is taken from the mantlet or short cape worn by Crusaders. Used for many purposes such as keeping burning sunlight of the metal and helmet. Torse - This is twised material which is made up of the colours of the shield. The torse sits on top of the helm, and is used to bind the mantle.

Coat of Arms component breakdown graphic

Right to Bear Arms:

• Our Coats of Arms are heraldically accurate depictions of an

Armorial borne by a bearer of the the depicted surname or one of

its spelling variations, at some point in history. We create the

Coats of Arm and crest by interpreting the Blazons (technical

descriptions) in the most recognized Armorial source books.

• To actually ‘bear’ arms, you must be granted the coat of Arms

by one of the Colleges of Arms, or prove descent from someone

who once bore the arms in question.

• In England and Wales, Arms are granted under the authority

of the Earl Marshall by the Garter King of Arms, in Scotland by

the Lyon King of Arms, and in Ireland by the Ulster King of

Arms. Similar bodies exist in Europe and in other countries.

• There will certainly be more than one Coat of Arms associated

with most surnames. We have generally tried to locate the oldest

one on record for the region of interest.

• Our Coats of Arms can be displayed with pride as a piece of

historical artwork.