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. ... This article is about the headgear. ...

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 escutcheon (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 ... This is an article about Heraldry. ... Shield Field Supporter Crest Wreath Mantling Helm Compartment Charge Motto Coat of arms elements Escutcheon is often the term used in heraldry for the shield displayed in a coat of arms. ... In heraldry, a crest is a component of a coat of arms. ... The Coat of Arms of Prince Edward Island uses two foxes as supporters. ... 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. ...

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. World map showing the location of Europe. ...

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 12th 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 15th 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 the events leading up to, as well as, the Norman invasion of England in 1066. ... Bayeux Tapestry depicting events leading to the Battle of Hastings The Norman conquest of England was the invasion 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 silver Anglia knight, commissioned as a trophy in 1850, intended to represent the Black Prince. ... The Bayeux Tapestry (French: Tapisserie de Bayeux) is a 50 cm by 70 m (20 in by 230 ft) long embroidered cloth which depicts the events leading up to, as well as, the Norman invasion of England in 1066. ... Heredity (the adjective is hereditary) is the transfer of characteristics from parent to offspring through their genes, or the transfer of a title, style or social status through the social convention known as inheritance (for example, a Hereditary Title may be passed down according to relevant customs and/or laws). ... 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. ... (11th century - 12th century - 13th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 12th century was that century which lasted from 1101 to 1200. ... 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. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem God Save the King (Queen) England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto) Government Constitutional monarchy  -  Queen Queen Elizabeth II  -  Prime Minister Tony Blair MP Unification  -  by Athelstan 967  Area... In heraldry, 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. ... (14th century - 15th century - 16th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 15th century was that century which lasted from 1401 to 1500. ...

The tomb of Geoffrey V, Count 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 jousting 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 ... Geoffrey of Anjou Geoffrey V (August 24, 1113 – September 7, 1151), Count of Anjou and Maine, and later Duke of Normandy, called Le Bel (The Fair) or Geoffrey Plantagenet, was the father of King Henry II of England, and thus the forefather of the Plantagenet dynasty of English kings. ... 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. ... The Renaissance (French for rebirth, or Rinascimento in Italian), was a cultural movement in Italy (and in Europe in general) that began in the late Middle Ages, and spanned roughly the 14th through the 17th century. ... Jousting is a staple entertainment at Renaissance Fairs. ... 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... In a discussion of art technology, enamel (or vitreous enamel, or porcelain enamel in American English) is the colorful result of fusion of powdered glass to a substrate through the process of firing, usually between 750 and 850 degrees Celsius. ... 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). ... In heraldry the background of the shield is called the field . ... 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 armour 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. Gothic armour Plate armour is personal armour made from large metal plates, worn on the chest and sometimes the entire body. ... (19th century - 20th century - 21st century - more centuries) Decades: 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s As a means of recording the passage of time, the 20th century was that century which lasted from 1901–2000 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar (1900–1999... Look up icon in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

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 escutcheon.^[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] and the state of Connecticut specifies a "rococo" shield.^[13] 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 (born October 13, 1925), 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. ... Shield Field Supporter Crest Wreath Mantling Helm Compartment Charge Motto Coat of arms elements Escutcheon is often the term used in heraldry for the shield displayed in a 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. ... Bophuthatswana as of 1977 Flag of Bophuthatswana bantustan 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. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles. ... North side of the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo - carriage courtyard: all the stucco details sparkled with gold until 1773, when Catherine II had gilding replaced with olive drab paint. ...

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.^[14] 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. ... In Egyptian hieroglyphs, a cartouche is an oblong enclosure with a vertical line at one end, indicating that the text enclosed is a royal name, coming into use during the beginning of the Fourth Dynasty under Pharaoh Sneferu. ... In geometry, an oval or ovoid (from Latin ovum, egg) is any curve resembling an egg or an ellipse. ...

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 colors 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.^[15] 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. ... 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 colors 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.^[16] 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.^[17] 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 Range map The stoat (Mustela erminea) 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.^[18] 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.^[19] 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.^[20] 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 Armenian 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.^[21] Shield Field Supporter Crest Wreath Mantling Helm Compartment Charge Motto Coat of arms elements Escutcheon is often the term used in heraldry for the shield displayed in a coat of arms. ... In heraldry, an ordinary is a simple geometrical figure on the arms, wider than a line or division of the field. ... 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. ... Canton is a division of the field placed in the upper dexter corner. ... well you dont know what you are looking 4 so go 2 bed 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.^[22]

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.^[23] 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). ... A Greek cross (all arms of equal length) above a saltire, a cross rotated by 45 degrees A famous Armenian 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. ... “Fawn” redirects here. ... // 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 gentle and pensive maiden has the power to tame the unicorn, in this fresco in Palazzo Farnese, Rome, probably by Domenichino, ca 1602 The Unicorn (from Latin unus one and cornu horn) is a legendary creature whose power is exceeded only by its mystery. ... Composite of Pomeranian heraldic charges of griffins. ... The Coat of Arms of Prince Edward Island uses two foxes as supporters. ...

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. ... Heraldry is the science and art of designing, displaying, describing and recording coats of arms. ... In heraldry, a charge is an image occupying the field on an escutcheon (or shield). ... 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.^[24] 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. ... In heraldry, 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.^[25] 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 13th century.^[26] 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. ... Banner of the arms of Cardinal Wolsey as Archbishop of York, impaling his personal arms (right) with the arms of his office as Archbishop of York (left) In heraldry, Impalement is the practice of joining two coats of arms side-by-side in one shield. ... In heraldry, Dimidiation is a method of joining two coats of arms. ... Quartering in heraldry is a method of joining several different coats of arms together in one shield by dividing the shield into not more than four equal parts and placing different coats of arms in each division. ... Fig. ... (12th century - 13th century - 14th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 13th century was that century which lasted from 1201 to 1300. ... Shield Field Supporter Crest Wreath Mantling Helm Compartment Charge Motto Coat of arms elements Escutcheon is often the term used in heraldry for the shield displayed in a coat of arms. ...

When more than four coats are to be marshaled, 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.^[27] Some traditions have a strong resistance to allowing more than four quarters, and resort instead to sub-quartering.

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

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. ...

Helm and crest

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. This article is about the headgear. ... In heraldry, a crest is a component of a coat of arms. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... In heraldry, a crest is a component of a coat of arms. ... This article is about the headgear. ... 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.^[28] 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 head wear. This takes the form of a galero with the colors and tassels 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 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. ... Upon the death of a cardinal diocesan bishop, his galero is raised above the sanctuary of his cathedral church. ... Every Pope of the Roman Catholic Church has his own personal coat of arms that serves as a symbol of his papacy. ... This article is becoming very long. ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... 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. ... Anglicanism is the term used to encapsulate the doctrine, religious belief, faith, system, practice and principles of the Church of England and other Anglican churches. ...

The coat of arms of Quebec with its French motto Je me souviens

Image File history File links Armes_du_Québec. ... Image File history File links Armes_du_Québec. ... Quebec coat of arms. ...

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 Thomas Nevile's 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. ... Thomas Nevile was an English clergyman and academic who was Dean of Peterborough (??-1597) and Canterbury (1597-??), Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge (1582-93), and Master of Trinity College, Cambridge (1593-1615). ... 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.^[29] 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... The Coat of Arms of Prince Edward Island uses two foxes as supporters. ... Continental Europe, also referred to as mainland Europe or simply the Continent, is the continent of Europe, explicitly excluding European islands and, at times, peninsulas. ... The Peerage is a system of titles of nobility which exists in the United Kingdom and is one part of the British honours system. ...

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. ... The name United Empire Loyalists is given to those American Loyalists who resettled in British North America and other British Colonies as an act of fealty to King George III after the British defeat in the American Revolutionary War. ... This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

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.^[30]

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. Originally, heraldic style was very similar from country to country.^[31] 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.^[32] In addition it can be argued that later national heraldic traditions, such as South African and Canadian have emerged in the twentieth century.^[33] 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. ... The borders of Western Europe were largely defined by the Cold War. ...

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.^[34] 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.^[35] 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 ^[36]. Scandinavia is a historical and geographical region centered on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe and includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. ... The three Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania The Baltic states refer to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. ...

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).^[37] Nobility is a traditional hereditary status (see hereditary titles) that exists today in many countries (mainly present or former monarchies). ... Burgher can refer to: a title; in the European Middle Ages, a burgher was any freeman of a burgh or borough; or any inhabitant of a borough, a person who lives in town (in Dutch the word for citizen is burger and the German cognate is Bürger). ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A republic is a form of government maintained by a state or country whose sovereignty is based on popular consent and whose governance is based on popular representation and control. ...

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.^[38] In Britain, the style is notably still controlled by royal officers of arms.^[39] French heraldry also experienced a period of strict rules of construction under the Emperor Napoleon.^[40] English heraldry makes greater use of supporters than other European countries.^[35] Napoléon I, Emperor of the French (born Napoleone di Buonaparte, changed his name to Napoléon Bonaparte)[1] (15 August 1769; Ajaccio, Corsica – 5 May 1821; Saint Helena) was a general during the French Revolution, the ruler of France as First Consul (Premier Consul) of the French Republic from...

Latin heraldry

The heraldry of southern France, Iberia, and Italy is characterized by a lack of crests and shields of unique shape.^[41] 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.^[42] The Iberian Peninsula, or Iberia, is located in the extreme southwest of Europe. ...

Central and Eastern Europe heraldry

Eastern heraldry is the tradition that developed in Serbia, 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 house marks. 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.^[43][44] Anthem Serbia() on the European continent() Capital (and largest city) Belgrade Official languages Serbian language 1 Recognised regional languages Hungarian, Croatian, Slovak, Romanian, Rusyn 2 Albanian, English 3 Government Parliamentary republic  -  President Boris Tadić  -  Prime Minister Vojislav KoÅ¡tunica Establishment  -  Formation 8th century   -  First unified state c. ... A clan is a group of people united by kinship and descent, which is defined by perceived descent from a common ancestor. ... Modern horseshoes are most commonly made of iron and nailed onto the hoof. ...

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 King of Arms, the Lord Lyon and the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland continue to make grants of arms.^[45] There are also heraldic authorities in Spain, Canada and South Africa that grant or register coats of arms.^[46] 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. ... Arms of the Office of the Lord Lyon The Lord Lyon King of Arms, the head of Lyon Court, is the Scottish official with responsibility for regulating heraldry in that kingdom, issuing new grants of arms, and serving as the judge of the oldest Heraldic court in the world that... The Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland, (sometimes 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.^[47] A world map showing the continent of Africa Africa is the worlds second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. ... World map showing the location of Asia. ... Australasia Australasia is a term variably used to describe a region of Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean. ... World map showing the Americas CIA political map of the Americas The Americas are the lands of the Western hemisphere or New World consisting of the continents of North America[1] and South America with their associated islands and regions. ... 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 Micronations – sometimes also referred to as a cybernations, fantasy countries, model countries, and new country projects – are entities that resemble independent nations or states but which are unrecognized by world governments or major international organisations. ...

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