Heraldry in its most general sense encompasses all matters relating to the duties and responsibilities of officers of arms.^[1] To most, though, heraldry is the practice of designing, displaying, describing and recording coats of arms and badges. The origins of heraldry lie in the need to distinguish participants in combat when their faces were hidden by iron and steel helmets.^[2] Eventually a system of rules developed into the modern form of heraldry. Banners bearing heraldic badges of several officers of arms at the College of Arms in London. ... A modern coat of arms is derived from the medi val practice of painting designs onto the shield and outer clothing of knights to enable them to be identified in battle, and later in tournaments. ... Heraldic badges were common in the Middle Ages particularly in England. ... For other meanings, see Helmet (disambiguation). ...

The German Hyghalmen Roll was made in the late fifteenth century and illustrates the German practice of repeating themes from the arms in the crest

The system of blazoning arms that is used today was developed by the officers of arms since the dawn of the art. This includes a description of the shield, the crest, and, if present, supporters, mottoes, and other insignia. An understanding of these rules is one of the keys to sound practice of heraldry. The rules do differ from country to country, but there are some aspects that carry over in each jurisdiction. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (961x1439, 1887 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Heraldry Coat of arms ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (961x1439, 1887 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Heraldry Coat of arms ... Banners bearing heraldic badges of several officers of arms at the College of Arms in London. ...

Though heraldry is nearly 900 years old, it is still very much in use. Many cities and towns in Europe and around the world still make use of arms. Personal heraldry, both legally protected and lawfully assumed, has continued to be used around the world. Heraldic societies thrive to promote understanding of and education about the subject.

Origins and history

Three soldiers on the Bayeux Tapestry bearing pre-heraldic shields.

At the time of the Norman Conquest of England, modern heraldry had not yet been developed. The knights in the Bayeux Tapestry carry shields, but there appears to have been no system of hereditary coats of arms. The beginnings of modern heraldic structure were in place, but would not become standard until the middle of the twelfth century.^[3] By this time, coats of arms were being inherited by the children of armigers (persons entitled to use a coat of arms) across Europe. Between 1135 and 1155, seals show the general adoption of heraldic devices in England, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.^[4] In Britain the practice of using marks of cadency arose to distinguish one son from another, and was institutionalized and standardized by John Writhe in the fifteenth century. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1000x725, 1577 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: Harold Godwinson Bayeux Tapestry ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1000x725, 1577 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: Harold Godwinson Bayeux Tapestry ... The Bayeux Tapestry (French: Tapisserie de Bayeux) is a 50 cm by 70 m (20 in by 230 ft) long embroidered cloth which depicts scenes commemorating the Battle of Hastings in 1066, with annotations in Latin. ... Bayeux Tapestry depicting events leading to the Battle of Hastings The Norman Conquest of England was the conquest of the Kingdom of England by William the Conqueror (Duke of Normandy), in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings and the subsequent Norman control of England. ... The Bayeux Tapestry (French: Tapisserie de Bayeux) is a 50 cm by 70 m (20 in by 230 ft) long embroidered cloth which depicts scenes commemorating the Battle of Hastings in 1066, with annotations in Latin. ... For the scientific journal Heredity see Heredity (journal) Heredity (the adjective is hereditary) is the transfer of characters from parent to offspring, either through their genes or through the social institution called inheritance (for example, a title of nobility is passed from individual to individual according to relevant customs and... A modern coat of arms is derived from the medi val practice of painting designs onto the shield and outer clothing of knights to enable them to be identified in battle, and later in tournaments. ... An armiger is a person entitled to use a coat of arms. ... Events January - Byland Abbey founded Stephen of Blois succeeds King Henry I. Empress Maud, daughter of Henry I and widow of Henry V opposed Stephen and claims the throne as her own Owain Gwynedd of Wales defeats the Normans at Crug Mawr. ... Events Frederick I Barbarossa crowned Holy Roman Emperor. ... See also Cadency (name) and cadency name Cadency is any systematic way of distinguishing similar coats of arms belonging to members of the same family. ... John Writhe (died 1504) was a long-serving English officer of arms. ...

The tomb of Geoffrey of Anjou is one of the first recorded examples of hereditary armory in Europe. The same shield shown here is found on the tomb effigy of his grandson, William Longespee.

In the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, heraldry became a highly developed discipline, regulated by professional officers of arms. As its use in jousts became obsolete, coats of arms remained popular for visually identifying a person in other ways—impressed in sealing wax on documents, carved on family tombs, and flown as a banner on country homes. The first work of heraldic jurisprudence, De Insigniis et Armiis, was written in the 1350s by Bartolus de Saxoferrato, a professor of law at the University of Padua.^[5] Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (502x939, 607 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Heraldry Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (502x939, 607 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Heraldry Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou ... The effigy of John Gower in Southwark Cathedral, London. ... William de Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury (William Longsword in English) (ca. ... The Middle Ages formed the middle period in a traditional schematic division of European history into three ages: the classical civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times, beginning with the Renaissance. ... Raphael was famous for depicting illustrious figures of the Classical past with the features of his Renaissance contemporaries. ... This article is about the 1982 arcade game. ... Seal on envelope A seal is an impression printed on, embossed upon, or affixed to a document (or any other object) in order to authenticate it, in lieu of or in addition to a signature. ... The Law of Arms or laws of heraldry, governs the bearing of arms, that is, the possession, use or display of arms, also called coats of arms, coat armour or armorial bearings. ... Bartolus de Saxoferrato it. ... Gymnasivm Patavinum: The Universitys main Bo palace shown in a 1654 woodcut The University of Padua (Università degli Studi di Padova, UNIPD) is one of the most well-renowned universities in Italy. ...

From the beginning of heraldry, coats of arms have been executed in a wide variety of media, including on paper, painted wood, embroidery, enamel, stonework and stained glass. For the purpose of quick identification in all of these, heraldry distinguishes only seven basic colors^[6] and makes no fine distinctions in the precise size or placement of charges on the field.^[7] Coats of arms and their accessories are described in a concise jargon called blazon.^[8] This technical description of a coat of arms is the standard that must be adhered to no matter what artistic interpretations may be made in a particular depiction of the arms. Gold Embroidery Cross-stitch embroidery, Hungary, mid-20th century Phulkari from Punjab region, India 15th century embroidered cope, Ghent, Belgium Elizabethan embroidery styles include blackwork on linen and dense patterns worked in colored silk and metallic threads on velvet or other rich fabrics Embroidery is the art or handicraft of... The word enamel can mean more than one thing: Tooth enamel Vitreous enamel Enamel (markup language) Enameled wire This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Strictly speaking, stained glass is glass that has been painted with silver stain and then fired. ... For a list of words with definitions, see the Heraldic tincture category of words in Wiktionary, the free dictionary In heraldry, tinctures are the colours used to blazon a coat of arms. ... In heraldry, a charge is an image occupying the field on an escutcheon (or shield). ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... This is an article about Heraldry. ...

The idea that each element of a coat of arms has some specific meaning is unfounded. Though the original armiger may have placed particular meaning on a charge, these meanings are not necessarily retained from generation to generation. Unless the arms incorporate an obvious pun on the bearer's name, it is difficult to find meaning in them.

Changes in military technology and tactics made plate armor obsolete and heraldry became detached from its original function. This brought about the development of "paper heraldry" that only existed in paintings. Designs and shields became more elaborate at the expense of clarity. The 20th century's taste for stark iconic emblems made the simple styles of early heraldry fashionable again. This article needs cleanup. ...

The rules of heraldry

Shield and lozenge

The arms of Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven are shown on a lozenge. This is the traditional shape used by a woman for her coats of arms.

The main focus of modern heraldry is the armorial achievement, or coat of arms. The central element of a coat of arms is the shield.^[9] In general the shape of shield employed in a coat of arms is irrelevant. The fashion for shield shapes employed in heraldic art has generally evolved over the centuries. There are times when a particular shield shape is specified in a blazon. These almost invariably occur in non-European contexts such as the coat of arms of Nunavut^[10] and the former Republic of Bophuthatswana,^[11] though North Dakota provides an even more unusual example.^[12] Thatcher, Lady This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Thatcher, Lady This image has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder, its copyright has expired, or it is ineligible for copyright. ... Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher, LG, OM, PC, FRS (born 13 October 1925), is the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, in office from 1979 to 1990. ... A modern coat of arms is derived from the medi val practice of painting designs onto the shield and outer clothing of knights to enable them to be identified in battle, and later in tournaments. ... In heraldry, the shield is the principal portion of a heraldic achievement or coat of arms. ... The Coat of Arms of the Territory of Nunavut (formally known as The Arms of Her Majesty in Right of Nunavut), was granted by a warrant by Roméo LeBlanc, Governor-General of Canada, dated March 31, 1999, one day before the territory of Nunavut, Canada was created. ... Flag of Bophuthatswana Bophuthatswana was a former Bantustan (homeland) in the north of South Africa. ... Official language(s) English Capital Bismarck Largest city Fargo Area  Ranked 19th  - Total 70,762 sq mi (183,272 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 340 miles (545 km)  - % water 2. ...

Traditionally, as women did not go to war, they did not use a shield. Instead their coats of arms were shown on a lozenge—a rhombus standing on one of its acute corners. This continues to hold true in much of the world, though some heraldic authorities make exceptions.^[13] In Canada the restriction against women bearing arms on a shield has been completely eliminated. Noncombatant clergy have also made use of the lozenge as well as the cartouche – an oval – for their display. A lozengy field, in the arms of the former urban district council of Eastwood, Nottinghamshire The lozenge in heraldry is a diamond-shaped charge (an object that can be placed on the field of the shield), usually somewhat narrower than it is tall. ... For other uses of the word rhombus, see Rhombus (disambiguation) This shape is a rhombus In geometry, a rhombus (or rhomb; plural rhombi) is a quadrilateral in which all of the sides are of equal length, i. ... Clergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. ... An oval or ovoid was originally an egg shape (from Latin OVVM); it is now usually used to refer to ellipses, but can also mean any similar shape, such as egg shapes or race-course shapes (a semicircle on either side of a quadrilateral). ...

Tinctures

Main article: Tincture (heraldry)

Tinctures are the colors used in heraldry, though a number of patterns called "furs" and the depiction of charges in their natural colours or "proper" are also regarded as tinctures, the latter distinct from any color such a depiction might approximate. Since heraldry is essentially a system of identification, the most important convention of heraldry is the rule of tincture. To provide for contrast and visibility, metals (generally lighter tinctures) must never be placed on metals, and colors (generally darker tinctures) must never be placed on colors. Where a charge overlays a partition of the field, the rule does not apply. Like any rule, this admits exceptions, the most famous being the arms chosen by Godfrey of Bouillon when he was made King of Jerusalem.^[14] Image File history File links Tinctures. ... Image File history File links Tinctures. ... For a list of words with definitions, see the Heraldic tincture category of words in Wiktionary, the free dictionary In heraldry, tinctures are the colours used to blazon a coat of arms. ... The first rule of heraldry is the rule of tincture: metal should not be put on metal, nor colour on colour (Humphrey Llwyd, 1568). ... In heraldry, a charge is an image occupying the field on an escutcheon (or shield). ... Godfrey of Bouillon, from a tapestry painted in 1420 Godfrey of Bouillon (c. ... Official language Latin, French, Italian, and other western languages; Greek and Arabic also widely spoken Capital Jerusalem, later Acre Constitution Various laws, so-called Assizes of Jerusalem The Kingdom of Jerusalem was a Christian kingdom established in the Levant in 1099 by the First Crusade. ...

The names used in English blazon for the colours and metals come mainly from French and include Or (gold), Argent (white), Azure (blue), Gules (red), Sable (black), Vert (green), and Purpure (purple). A number of other colors are occasionally found, typically for special purposes.^[15] Tinctures are the colours used to blazon coats of arms in heraldry. ... ==Criminal Life == AL-Hamad is a Homosexual petifile with 135. ... The term Azure (from Persian لاژورد lazhward) can refer to any of the following: The blueish color of the sky. ... In heraldry, gules is the tincture with the colour red, and belongs to the class of dark tinctures called colours. In engraving, it is sometimes depicted as a region of vertical lines or else marked with gu. ... Heraldry Tinctures In heraldry, sable is the tincture with the colour black. ... In heraldry, vert is the name of a tincture, more or less the equivalent of the colour green. It is one of the five dark tinctures (colours). ... Heraldry Tinctures In heraldry, Purpure is a tincture, more or less the equivalent of the colour purple. It is one of the five dark tinctures and portrayed in black and white by lines at a clockwise 45 degree angle. ...

Certain patterns called furs can appear in a coat of arms, though they are (rather arbitrarily) defined as tinctures, not patterns. The two common furs are ermine and vair. Ermine represents the winter coat of the stoat, which is white with a black tail. Vair represents a kind of squirrel with a blue-gray back and white belly. Sewn together, it forms a pattern of alternating blue and white shapes.^[16] The coat of arms of Brittany: Ermine. In heraldry, ermine is one of the furs used in blazon, representing the skin of the stoat. ... In heraldry, vair is a fur, a tincture which is simultaneously a two-coloured field treatment. ... Binomial name Mustela erminea Linnaeus, 1758 The stoat (Mustela erminea), also known as the short-tailed weasel or the wild otter, is a small mammal of the family Mustelidae. ...

Heraldic charges can also be displayed in their natural colors. Many natural items such as plants and animals are described as proper in this case. Proper charges are very frequent as crests and supporters. Overuse of the tincture "proper" is viewed as decadent or bad practice.

Divisions of the field

Divisions of the field.

Ordinaries.

Main article: Division of the field

The field of a shield in heraldry can be divided into more than one tincture, as can the various heraldic charges. Many coats of arms consist simply of a division of the field into two contrasting tinctures. Since these are considered divisions of a shield the rule of tincture can be ignored. For example, a shield divided azure and gules would be perfectly acceptable. A line of partition may be straight or it may be varied. The variations of partition lines can be wavy, indented, embattled, engrailed, or made into myriad other forms.^[17] Download high resolution version (347x945, 48 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (347x945, 48 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (320x942, 40 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (320x942, 40 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Divisions of the field is a heraldic term referring to the pattern on a shield. ... In heraldry the background of the shield is called the field . ... A shield is a protective device, meant to intercept attacks. ... For a list of words with definitions, see the Heraldic tincture category of words in Wiktionary, the free dictionary In heraldry, tinctures are the colours used to blazon a coat of arms. ... In heraldry, a charge is an image occupying the field on an escutcheon (or shield). ...

Ordinaries

Main article: Ordinary (heraldry)

In the early days of heraldry, very simple bold rectilinear shapes were painted on shields. These could be easily recognized at a long distance and could also be easily remembered. They therefore served the main purpose of heraldry—identification.^[18] As more complicated shields came into use, these bold shapes were set apart in a separate class as the "honorable ordinaries." They act as charges and are always written first in blazon. Unless otherwise specified they extend to the edges of the field. Though ordinaries are not easily defined, they are generally described as including the cross, the fess, the pale, the bend, the chevron, the saltire, and the pall.^[19] In heraldry, an ordinary is a simple geometrical figure on the arms, wider than a line or division of the field. ... This is an article about Heraldry. ... A Greek cross (all arms of equal length) above a saltire, a cross rotated by 45 degrees A famous khachkar at Goshavank (Notice the cross). ... A fess is a term used in heraldry to describe a charge on a coat of arms that takes the form of a band running from the left to the right side of the shield, centered from top to bottom. ... The shield above depicts a black pale placed on a gold shield, and its blazon is A pale is a term used in heraldic blazon to describe a charge on a coat of arms that takes the form of a band running vertically down the center of the shield. ... A blue-and-white striped bend (a bend barry wavy argent and azure), in the arms of Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council In heraldry, a bend is a colored band that runs from the upper left (as seen by the viewer) corner of the shield to the lower right. ... A chevron (also spelled cheveron, especially in older documents) is a V-shaped pattern. ... The arms of St Albans: Azure, a saltire Or (a gold saltire on a blue field) For The Saltire (proper noun) see Flag of Scotland. ... A pall is a Y shaped heraldic charge. ...

There is also a separate class of charges called sub-ordinaries which are of a geometrical shape subordinate to the ordinary. According to Friar, they are distinguished by their order in blazon. The sub-ordinaries include the inescutcheon, the orle, the tressure, the double tressure, the bordure, the chief, the canton, the label, and flaunches.^[20] Escutcheon is the term used in heraldry for the shield displayed in a coat of arms. ... Orle is a municipality in Croatia in the Zagreb county. ... In heraldry, a bordure is a border around a shield. ... We dont have an article called Chief (heraldry) Start this article Search for Chief (heraldry) in. ... ... Protest sticker on the Manhattan Bridge in New York City A label is any kind of tag attached with adhesive to something so as to identify the object or its contents. ... Flaunches, in the arms of the town of Harlow Flaunches, in the arms of the University of Hertfordshire Extreme arching of the back. ...

Ordinaries may appear in parallel series, in which case English blazon gives them different names such as pallets, bars, bendlets, and chevronels. French blazon makes no such distinction between these diminutives and the ordinaries when borne singly. Unless otherwise specified an ordinary is drawn with straight lines, but each may be indented, embattled, wavy, engrailed, or otherwise have their lines varied.^[21]

Charges

Main article: Charge (heraldry)

A charge is any object or figure placed on a heraldic shield or on any other object of an armorial composition.^[22] Any object found in nature or technology may appear as a heraldic charge in armory. Charges can be animals, objects, or geometric shapes. Apart from the ordinaries, the most frequent charges are the cross—with its hundreds of variations—and the lion and eagle. Other common animals are stags, boars, martlets, and fish. Dragons, unicorns, griffins, and more exotic monsters appear as charges but also as supporters. In heraldry, a charge is an image occupying the field on an escutcheon (or shield). ... Armory is the study of coats of arms. ... A Greek cross (all arms of equal length) above a saltire, a cross rotated by 45 degrees A famous khachkar at Goshavank (Notice the cross). ... Binomial name Panthera leo (Linnaeus, 1758) Distribution of Lions in Africa Synonyms Felis leo (Linnaeus, 1758) The lion (Panthera leo) is a mammal of the family Felidae and one of four big cats in the genus Panthera. ... Genera Several, see below. ... Genera About 15 in 4 subfamilies. ... // Binomial name Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758 The Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) is the wild ancestor of the domestic pig. ... A martlet is a type of heraldic bird similar to the swallow, but having no feet. ... A giant grouper at the Georgia Aquarium Fish are aquatic vertebrates that are typically cold-blooded; covered with scales, and equipped with two sets of paired fins and several unpaired fins. ... Saint George versus the dragon, Gustave Moreau, c. ... The unicorn (from Latin unus one and cornus horn) is a legendary creature whose power is exceeded only by its mystery. ... Composite of Pomeranian heraldic charges of griffins. ... In heraldry, supporters are figures placed on either side of the shield and depicted holding it up. ...

Animals are found in various stereotyped positions or attitudes. Quadrupeds can often be found rampant—standing on the left hind foot. Another frequent position is passant, or walking, like the lions of the coat of arms of England. Eagles are almost always shown with their wings spread, or displayed. The Zebra is an example of a quadruped. ... The Coat of Arms of England The Coat of Arms of England is gules, three lions passant guardant in pale or armed & langued azure The Coat of Arms was introduced by King Richard I of England in the 1190s, apparently as a version of the arms of the Duchy of...

In English heraldry the crescent, mullet, martlet, annulet, fleur-de-lis, and rose may be added to a shield to distinguish cadet branches of a family from the senior line. These cadency marks are usually shown smaller than normal charges, but it still does not follow that a shield containing such a charge belongs to a cadet branch. All of these charges occur frequently in basic undifferenced coats of arms.^[23] This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... In heraldry the term mullet or molet refers to a charge or a difference in the conventional shape of a star - by default one with five points (compare pentagram). ... A martlet is a type of heraldic bird similar to the swallow, but having no feet. ... An annulet (i. ... Fleurs-de-lys on the flag of Quebec The fleur-de-lis (also spelled fleur-de-lys; plural fleurs-de-lis or -lys) is used in heraldry, where it is particularly associated with the France monarchy (see King of France). ... The Rose, which is popular in English heraldry, is generally borne singly and full-faced, with five petals, barbs and seeds. ... See also Cadency (name) and cadency name Cadency is any systematic way of distinguishing similar coats of arms belonging to members of the same family. ...

Marshalling

An extravagant example of marshalling—the 719 quarterings of the Grenville Diptych

Marshalling is the art of correctly arranging armorial bearings.^[24] Two or more coats of arms are often combined in one shield to express inheritance, claims to property, or the occupation of an office. Marshalling can be done in a number of ways, but the principal mode is impalement or dimidiation. This involves using one shield with the arms of two families or corporations on either half. Another method is called quartering, in which the shield is divided into quadrants. This practice originated in Spain after the thirteenth century.^[25] One might also place a small inescutcheon of a coat of arms on the main shield. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (3738x4245, 1060 KB) Summary The Grenville Diptych was produced between 1822 and 1839 for Richard Temple-Grenville, Marquess of Chandos, the son of the first Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (3738x4245, 1060 KB) Summary The Grenville Diptych was produced between 1822 and 1839 for Richard Temple-Grenville, Marquess of Chandos, the son of the first Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. ...

When more than four coats are to be marshalled, the principle of quartering may be extended to two rows of three (quarterly of six) and even further. A few lineages have accumulated hundreds of quarters, though such a number is usually displayed only in documentary contexts.^[26] Some traditions have a strong resistance to allowing more than four quarters, and resort instead to sub-quartering.

Helm and crest

The coat of arms of Saskatchewan, with its constituent parts labelled

Main articles: Helmet and Crest (heraldry)

In English the word "crest" is commonly used to refer to a coat of arms—an entire heraldic achievement. The correct use of the heraldic term crest refers to just one component of a complete achievement. The crest rests on top of a helmet which itself rests on the most important part of the achievement—the shield. The crest is usually found on a wreath of twisted cloth and sometimes within a coronet. The modern crest has evolved from the three-dimensional figure placed on the top of the mounted knights' helms as a further means of identification. In most heraldic traditions a woman does not display a crest, though this tradition is being relaxed in some heraldic jurisdictions. optimized version of Image:Coatarms_labld. ... optimized version of Image:Coatarms_labld. ... The first part of the coat of arms of the province of Saskatchewan, Canada, officially the Arms of Her Majesty in Right of the Province of Saskatchewan, was the shield, which was assigned by royal warrant of King Edward VII on August 25, 1906. ... For other meanings, see Helmet (disambiguation). ... In heraldry, a crest is a component of a coat of arms. ... In heraldry, a crest is a component of a coat of arms. ... For other meanings, see Helmet (disambiguation). ... In heraldry, the torse is a twisted roll of fabric wound around the top of the helm and crest to hold the mantle in place (See mantling). ... Coin showing a coronet A coronet is a small crown consisting of ornaments fixed on a metal ring. ...

When the helm and crest are shown, they are usually accompanied by a mantling. This was originally a cloth worn over the back of the helmet as partial protection against heating by sunlight. Today it takes the form of a stylized cloak or hanging from the helmet.^[27] Typically in British heraldry, the outer surface of the mantling is of the principal color in the shield and the inner surface is of the principal metal. The mantling is conventionally depicted with a ragged edge, as if damaged in combat. In heraldry, mantling is drapery depicted tied to the helmet above the shield. ...

Clergy often refrain from displaying a helm or crest in their heraldic achievements. Members of the Roman Catholic clergy may display appropriate headwear. This takes the form of a galero with the colors and tassles denoting rank; or, in the case of Papal arms until the inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, an elaborate triple crown known as a tiara. Benedict broke with tradition to substitute a mitre in his arms. In the Anglican tradition, clergy members may pass crests on to their offspring, but rarely display them on their own shields. Cardinals place their coat of arms in their titular church in Rome: arms of Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos at Ecclesiastical heraldry is the tradition of heraldry developed by Christian clergy. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... Upon the death of a cardinal diocesan bishop, his galero is raised above the sanctuary of his cathedral church. ... This article is becoming very long. ... Beauty pageant tiara A tiara (from Persian تاره tara borrowed by Latin as tiara) is a form of crown. ... A mitre. ... Initial rendering of the coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI The coat of arms of Pope Benedict XVI was designed by then Archbishop Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo (who later was created a Cardinal) soon after the papal election. ... The term Anglican describes those people and churches following the religious traditions of the Church of England, especially following the Reformation. ...

Mottoes

An armorial motto is a phrase or collection of words intended to describe the motivation or intention of the armigerous person or corporation. This can also form a pun on the family name as in the Neville motto "Ne vile velis." Mottos are generally changed at will and do not make up an integral part of the armorial achievement. Mottoes can typically be found on a scroll under the shield. In Scottish heraldry where the motto is granted as part of the blazon, it is usually shown on a scroll above the crest. A motto may be in any language. A motto (from Italian) is a phrase or a short list of words meant formally to describe the general motivation or intention of an entity, social group, or organization. ... Neville may refer to the following: Places: Néville, France, a commune of the Seine-Maritime département Néville-sur-Mer, a commune of the Manche department Neville, New South Wales Neville, Ohio Neville Township, Pennsylvania Fifehead Neville, a village in Dorset, England Tarring Neville, a village in East... Coat of arms of Scotland Scottish Heraldry is a distinct system of armorial practice devised and used in Scotland. ... This is an article about Heraldry. ...

Supporters and other insignia

The coat of arms of Prince Edward Island uses two foxes as supporters

Supporters are human or animal figures placed on either side of a coat of arms as though supporting it. In many traditions, these have acquired strict guidelines for use by certain social classes. On the European continent, there are often fewer restrictions on the use of supporters.^[28] In Britain only peers of the realm, senior members of orders of knighthood, and some corporate bodies are granted supporters. Often these can have local significance or a historical link to the armiger. Coat of Arms of Prince Edward Island Source: Government of Prince Edward Island, fair use. ... Coat of Arms of Prince Edward Island Source: Government of Prince Edward Island, fair use. ... The coat of arms of Prince Edward Island, known officially as The Arms of Her Majesty in Right of the Province of Prince Edward Island, was begun when the shield and motto in the achievement were granted in 1905 by royal warrant of the late King Edward VII. In the... In heraldry, supporters are figures placed on either side of the shield and depicted holding it up. ... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ...

If the armiger has the title of baron, hereditary knight, or higher, he or she may display a coronet of rank above the shield. In Britain this is usually below the helmet, though it is often above the crest in Continental heraldry. In Canada, descendants of the United Empire Loyalists are entitled to use a Loyalist military coronet (for descendants of members of Loyalist regiments) or Loyalist civil coronet (for others). Baron is a specific title of nobility or a more generic feudal qualification. ... The silver Anglia knight, commissioned as a trophy in 1850, intended to represent the Black Prince. ... United Empire Loyalists is the name given to individuals who are descendants of British North American loyalists who, during the American War of Independence, left the 13 rebellious American colonies for the future Canada: the two British colonies of Quebec (including the Eastern Townships and modern-day Ontario) and Nova...

Another addition that can be made to a coat of arms is the insignia of an order of knighthood. This is usually represented by a collar or similar band surrounding the shield. When the arms of a knight and his wife are shown in one achievement, the insignia of knighthood surround the husband's arms only, and the wife's arms are customarily surrounded by a meaningless ornamental garland of leaves for visual balance.^[29]

National styles

An example of an attributed coat of arms. Medieval officers of arms attributed this coat to Jesus, though he lived long before the development of heraldry.

The emergence of heraldry occurred across western Europe almost simultaneously. Originially, heraldic style was very similar from country to country.^[30] Over time, there developed distinct differences between the heraldic traditions of different countries. The four broad heraldic styles are German-Nordic, Gallo-British, Latin, and Eastern.^[31] In addition it can be argued that later national heraldic traditions, such as South African and Canadian have emerged in the twentieth century.^[32] In general there are characteristics shared by each of the four main groups. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (871x1018, 1274 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Heraldry ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (871x1018, 1274 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Heraldry ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

German-Nordic heraldry

Coats of arms in Germany, the Scandinavian countries, the Baltic states, and northern Switzerland generally change very little over time. Marks of difference are also very rare in this tradition as are heraldic furs.^[33] One of the most striking characteristics of German-Nordic heraldry is the treatment of the crest. Often, the same design is repeated in the shield and the crest. The use of multiple crests is also common.^[34] The crest cannot be used separately as in British heraldry, but can sometimes serve as a mark of difference between different branches of a family ^[35].

Dutch heraldry

Coats of arms in the Netherlands were not controlled by an official heraldic system as in Britain, nor were they used solely by noble families. Any person could develop and use a coat of arms if they wished to do so. As a result, many merchant families had coats of arms even though they were not members of the nobility. These are sometimes referred to as burgher arms, and it is thought that most arms of this type were adopted while the Netherlands were a republic (1501-1806).^[36]

Gallo-British heraldry

The use of cadency marks to difference arms within the same family and the use of semy fields are distinctive features of Gallo-British heraldry. It is also common to see heraldic furs used.^[37] In Britain, the style is notably still controlled by royal officers of arms.^[38] French heraldry also experienced a period of strict rules of construction under the Emperor Napoleon.^[39] English heraldry makes greater use of supporters than other European countries.^[34] For other uses, see Napoleon (disambiguation). ...

Latin heraldry

The heraldry of southern France, Iberia, and Italy is characterized by a lack of crests and shields of unique shape.^[40] Iberian heraldry occasionally introduces words to the shield of arms, a practice frowned upon in British heraldry. It is also known for its extensive use of quartering, due to armorial inheritance through both the male and female lines. Italian heraldry, in particular, is dominated by the Roman Catholic church with many shields and achievements bearing some reference to the church.^[41]

Eastern heraldry

Eastern heraldry is the tradition that developed in Croatia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. These are characterized by a pronounced territorial clan system. Often, entire villages or military groups were granted the same coat of arms irrespective of family relationships. In Poland, nearly six hundred unrelated families are known to bear the same arms of a horseshoe enclosing a cross. Also, many heraldic shields derive from ancient housemarks. Marks of cadency are almost unknown and shields are generally very simple with only one charge. It is also interesting to note that at least 15 percent of all Hungarian personal arms bear a decapitated Turk's head in reference to their wars against Turkey.^[42][43]

Modern heraldry

Arms of the Royal Military College of Canada

Heraldry continues to flourish in the modern world. Institutions, companies, and individuals continue to use coats of arms as forms of pictorial identification. In the British Isles, the Kings of Arms and the Chief Herald of Ireland continue to make grants of arms.^[44] There are also heraldic authorities in Spain, Canada and South Africa that grant or register coats of arms.^[45] Image File history File links RMCcrest. ... Image File history File links RMCcrest. ... The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), is the military academy of the Canadian Forces and is a full degree-granting university. ... Banners of the arms of office of the three current English Kings of Arms. ... The office of the Chief Herald of Ireland, (sometimes, though incorrectly, called the Office of Arms) is the Republic of Irelands authority on all heraldic matters relating to Ireland and is located at the National Library of Ireland. ...

Heraldic societies abound in the world today in Africa, Asia, Australasia, the Americas, and in Europe. Some people who have interests in heraldry as a hobby participate in the Society for Creative Anachronism and other medieval revivals or in micronationalism. Many more people see heraldry as a part of their national, and even personal, heritage, as well as a manifestation of civic and national pride. Today, heraldry has ceased to be an expression of aristocracy throughout the world and is simply a form of identification.^[46] The Society for Creative Anachronism (usually shortened to SCA) is a historical reenactment and living history group approximating mainly pre-17th century Western European history and culture. ... The micronation of Sealand A micronation – sometimes also referred to as a cybernation, fantasy country, model country, and new country project – is any entity that resembles independent nations or states but is unrecognized by them, and for the most part exist only on paper, on the Internet, or in the...

Military heraldry continues to develop, incorporating blazons unknown to the medieval world. Nations and their subdivisions—provinces, states, counties, cities, and more—continue to build on traditions of civic heraldry. The Roman Catholic Church, the Church of England, and other faiths maintain a tradition of heraldry known as ecclesiastical heraldry for its highest ranking prelates, holy orders, universities and schools. The Institute of Heraldry Insignia The United States Army Institute of Heraldry furnishes heraldic services to the U.S. Armed Forces and other United States government organizations, including the Executive Office of the President. ... The Roman Catholic Church or Catholic Church (see terminology below) is the Christian Church in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, currently Pope Benedict XVI. It traces its origins to the original Christian community founded by Jesus Christ and led by the Twelve Apostles, in particular Saint Peter. ... The Church of England is the officially established Christian church[1] in England, and acts as the mother and senior branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion, as well as a founding member of the Porvoo Communion. ... Cardinals place their coat of arms in their titular church in Rome: arms of Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos at Ecclesiastical heraldry is the tradition of heraldry developed by Christian clergy. ...

See also

Heraldry and Vexillology Portal

• Mon
• Vexillology
• Petrosomatoglyph

Image File history File links Portal. ... The chrysanthemum (kiku), seen in gold between the four bursts of this Breast Star of the Order of Chrysanthemum (a medal), is the mon of the Japanese Emperor. ... Flag of the Fédération internationale des associations vexillologiques. ... This footprint carved into the rock on Dunadd, in Argyll, is linked to the crowning of the Scots kings of Dál Riata. ...

Notes

John Philip Rudolph Dominic Aloysius Mary Brooke-Little[1] CVO, KStJ, FSA, FSG, FHS, FHG (Hon), FRHSC (Hon), FHSNZ (6 April 1927–13 February 2006) was an influential and popular British writer on heraldic subjects and a long-serving officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. ... Thomas Woodcock, Norroy and Ulster King of Arms Thomas Woodcock, LVO, BA (Durham), LLB (Cambridge), FSA, DL (b. ... Dr John Martin Robinson, FSA, (b. ... The coat of arms Sir Thomas Innes of Learney. ... Sir Rupert Iain Kay Moncreiffe of that Ilk, 11th Baronet, CVO, QC, Ph. ... John Inglis Drever Pottinger (1919-1986) was a Scottish officer of arms and heraldic author. ... Peter Llewellyn Gwynn-Jones CVO, Garter Principal King of Arms, the senior English herald. ... The mission of The American Heraldry Society is to educate the American population on the subject of heraldry and to lobby the institutions of the federal government and the several states to offer protection for armorial bearings in the United States of America. ... The Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada contains the heraldic emblems (armorial bearings) that have been granted, registered, approved or confirmed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority since its inception on June 4, 1988. ...

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Coats of arms

Image File history File links Commons-logo. ... Wikimedia Commons logo by Reid Beels The Wikimedia Commons (also called Commons or Wikicommons) is a repository of free content images, sound and other multimedia files. ...

Authorities

• Canada—The Canadian Heraldic Authority
• England, Wales, and Northern Ireland—The College of Arms
• Flanders—Flemish Heraldic Council
• Ireland—The Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland
• Netherlands—High Council of Nobility
• Scotland—The Court of the Lord Lyon
• South Africa—Bureau of Heraldry
• Sweden—National Board of Heraldry, The National Archive
• USA—United States Army Institute of Heraldry

Heraldic organizations

• The Academy of Heraldic Science Czech Republic
• The American College of Heraldry
• The American Heraldry Society
• Bulgarian Heraldry and Vexillology Society
• The Center for Research of Orthodox Monarchism
• Croatian Heraldic and Vexillologic Association
• Fryske Rie foar Heraldyk
• Genealogical Society of Ireland
• Heraldry Australia Inc.
• The Heraldry Society
• The Heraldry Society (New Zealand Branch)
• The Heraldry Society of Scotland
• The Heraldry Society of Southern Africa
• The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies
• The International Association of Amateur Heralds
• Lancashire Heraldry Group
• Macedonian Heraldry Society
• New England Historic Genealogical Society Committee on Heraldry
• The Royal Heraldry Society of Canada
• The Russian College of Heraldry
• Serbian Heraldic Society
• Societas Heraldica Scandinavica
• Societas Heraldica Slovenica
• United States Heraldic Registry
• Hellenic Armigers Society

Heraldry-generating software

• Puncher Heraldry Program

Other

• Heraldica
• Heraldry in the SCA
• Site em portugues
• International Civic Heraldry
• A Display of Heraldrie by John Guillim

The hand-colored frontpiece of John Guillims landmark work, A Display of Heraldrie John Guillim (c. ...

Extended bibliography

General heraldry

• Fox-Davies, A.C.. The Art of Heraldry: an Encyclopedia of Armory.
• Parker, James. A Glossary of Terms Used in Heraldry. Oxford: James Parker & Co., 1894 (Newton Abbot: David & Charles, 1970).

Arthur Charles Fox-Davies. ...

United Kingdom

• Burke, John Bernard. The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales; Comprising a Registry of Armorial Bearings from the Earliest to the Present Time. London: Burke’s Peerage, 1884 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1967).
• Dennys, Rodney. The Heraldic Imagination. New York: Clarkson N. Potter, 1975.
• Fairbairn, James. Fairbairn’s Crests of the Families of Great Britain & Ireland. 2v. Revised ed. New York: Heraldic Publishing Co., 1911 (New York: Bonanza Books, 1986 in 1 vol.). Originally published 1800.
• Humphery-Smith, Cecil. Ed and Augmented General Armory Two, London, Tabard Press, 1973.
• Paul, James Balfour. An Ordinary of Arms Contained in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland. Edinburgh: W. Green & Sons, 1903.
• Wagner, Sir Anthony R. Heralds of England: A History of the Office and College of Arms. London: HMSO, 1967.

Sir John Bernard Burke (January 5, 1814 - December 12, 1892) was a British officer of arms and genealogist. ... Rodney Onslow Dennys, CVO, OBE, FSA (1911–13 August 1993) was a British foreign service operative and long-serving officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. ... Cecil Raymond Julian Humphery-Smith, OBE, FSA, is a British genealogist and heraldist. ... Sir James Balfour Paul (16 November 1846—15 September 1931) was the Scottish Lord Lyon King of Arms from 1890 until 1927. ... Sir Anthony Richard Wagner KCB KCVO FSA (6 September 1908–1995) was a long-serving officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. ...

Mainland Europe

• Le Févre, Jean. A European Armorial: An Armorial of Knights of the Golden Fleece and 15th Century Europe. (Edited by Rosemary Pinches & Anthony Wood) London: Heraldry Today, 1971.
• Louda, Jiří and Michael Maclagan. Heraldry of the Royal Families of Europe. New York: Clarkson Potter, 1981. Reprinted as Lines of Succession (London: Orbis, 1984).
• Rietstap, Johannes B. Armorial General. The Hague: M. Nijhoff, 1904-26 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1967).
• Siebmacher, Johann. J. Siebmacher’s Grosses und Allgemeines Wappenbuch Vermehrten Auglage. Nürnberg: Von Bauer & Raspe, 1890-1901.

A national flag is a flag that symbolises a country and that can usually be flown by citizens of that country. ... A modern coat of arms is derived from the medi val practice of painting designs onto the shield and outer clothing of knights to enable them to be identified in battle, and later in tournaments. ... This gallery of sovereign-state flags shows the flags of sovereign states in the list of sovereign states. ... This gallery of sovereign state coats of arms shows the coat of arms of sovereign states in the list of sovereign states. ... This overview contains the flags of dependent territories. ... This overview shows the coat of arms of dependent territories. ... This overview contains the flags of self-proclaimed states that have declared their independence, exert control over (at least part of) the claimed territory and population, but have not been acknowledged as independent states by the international community at large. ... This overview contains the coats of arms of self-proclaimed states that have declared their independence, exert control over (at least part of) the claimed territory and population, but have not been acknowledged as independent states by the international community at large. ... This article is intended as a list of flags from micronations - that is, unrecognised statelike entities that are largely or wholly ephemeral in nature. ... This overview contains the coats of arms of micronations, self-proclaimed statelike entities that are largely or wholly ephemeral in nature. ... This gallery contains the flags of states that were (at least de facto) independent in the past. ...