Using Your Coat Of Arms: A Guide To Heraldry

Coats of arms are colourful decorations that noble families used to represent themselves, dating back to the 1100s. Knights and royalty wore their coats of arms on their shields and as part of their outfits during battles and tournaments. The coat of arms is passed down the male line, and each design must be unique with at least two linear differences so that it can be distinct if shown in black and white. Today, coats of arms can be designed and registered at the College of Arms in London, or one can design their own coat of arms.

Coats of arms are inherited in the male line, passed down from father to son

In the heraldic traditions of England and Scotland, coats of arms are considered the legal property of the individual, transmitted from father to son. Wives and daughters can also bear arms, but these are modified to indicate their relation to the current holder of the arms. For example, in England and Scotland, an eldest daughter could inherit arms in the absence of male heirs, and wives and daughters could bear modified versions of the arms.

To establish a right to arms by inheritance, it is necessary to prove descent from an ancestor who is already recorded as entitled to arms in the registers of the College of Arms. This involves approaching the officer in waiting at the College of Arms with details of one's paternal ancestry. If no record of a coat of arms is found for the family name, further genealogical research may be required to see if a connection with an armigerous family can be established.

It is important to note that coats of arms are not granted to families, but to individuals, and they are passed down through male descendants. This means that having the same last name as someone with a coat of arms does not automatically entitle someone to use the same coat of arms. Each person must prove their direct lineage to the person to whom the honour was granted.

Women can bear arms by inheritance or by a grant of arms to herself

Coats of arms are colourful decorations that noble families used to represent themselves, dating back to the 1100s. Knights and royalty wore their coats of arms on their shields and as part of their outfits when going into battle or competing in tournaments. Coats of arms can be inherited or granted by a competent authority.

When unmarried, a woman displays her arms on a lozenge (a diamond shape) or an oval. A shield has traditionally been seen as a warlike device appropriate for a man. When married, a woman may unite her arms with those of her husband in what are called marital arms; their arms are impaled, meaning placed side by side in the same shield, with the husband's arms on the dexter and the wife's on the sinister. If one spouse belongs to a higher rank of an order of chivalry, it is customary to depict them on two separate shields tilted towards one another, termed accollé. A married woman may also bear either her own arms or her husband's arms alone on a shield with a small differencing mark to distinguish her from her father or husband.

If the woman is an heraldic heiress, her arms are shown on an inescutcheon of pretence (a small shield) in the centre of her husband's arms. When widowed, a woman continues to use her marital arms, but they are placed on a lozenge or oval.

In England, eligibility for a coat of arms considers factors such as honours from the Crown, civil or military commissions, university degrees, and professional qualifications

Coats of arms have been used since the 12th century to represent noble families. Knights and royalty would wear their coats of arms on their shields and outfits when going into battle or taking part in tournaments, to distinguish themselves from their opponents.

In England, there are no fixed eligibility criteria for new commissions of coats of arms. However, several factors are considered when granting a coat of arms to an individual. These include honours from the Crown, civil or military commissions, university degrees, and professional qualifications. The applicant's eminence or good standing in national or local life is also taken into account.

The first step in applying for a grant of arms is to submit a petition, or memorial, to the Earl Marshal. This will be drafted by one of the officers of arms, and a curriculum vitae is desirable. There is no fixed criteria of eligibility, but the aforementioned factors are considered when reviewing applications.

Once the Earl Marshal approves a petition, he will issue a warrant to the Kings of Arms, allowing them to proceed with the grant. The Kings of Arms have full discretion over the design of the armorial bearings they grant, but the wishes of the applicant are taken into account as much as possible. The officer of arms acting for the petitioner will discuss the allusions and references the petitioner may want to include in the design. The design must be distinct from all previous arms on record at the College of Arms, and it must abide by all the rules of heraldry.

The College of Arms, founded in 1484, is the official heraldic authority in England with jurisdiction over the granting of new coats of arms. The College comprises thirteen officers or heralds: three Kings of Arms, six Heralds of Arms, and four Pursuivants of Arms. The heralds are appointed by the British Sovereign and are delegated the authority to act on behalf of the Crown in all matters of heraldry.

Coats of arms are unique and must have at least two linear differences to distinguish them in black and white

Coats of arms are a unique visual design, traditionally used to represent an individual, family, state, organisation, school, or corporation. They are typically displayed on a shield, but can also be worn as outer garments. The design is passed down from father to son, with women and daughters bearing modified versions to indicate their relation to the current holder.

The history of coats of arms dates back to the 1100s, when knights and royalty wore them on their shields and outfits to distinguish themselves in battle or tournaments. Coats of arms are unique and must have at least two linear differences so that they can be easily distinguished, even when shown in black and white. This distinctiveness is important as coats of arms are considered the legal property of a family, and cases of similarity can be brought to the High Court of Chivalry.

The design of a coat of arms typically includes a shield, supporters, a crest, and a motto. The shield is the central element, often divided into sections, with each section containing an image representing the family. The crest sits above the shield, usually on a helmet, and is a decorative object used for identification. Supporters are the objects or animals that appear to be holding up the shield, and the motto is a phrase, often in Latin, reflecting the beliefs of the person or family.

In addition to being visually distinct, coats of arms also follow specific rules regarding colour combinations. Known as the "rule of tincture", this states that metals should not be placed on metals, and colours should not be placed on colours. This ensures contrast and visibility.

Today, coats of arms are still used by various institutions and individuals, including universities, cities, and families. They are a way to symbolise heritage, achievements, and aspirations, and are often treated as intellectual property.

The crest is a 3D object placed on top of the helmet, and can be used as a simplified symbol of the coat of arms

Coats of arms are a heraldic visual design that features several elements, including a shield, supporters, a crest, and a motto. The crest is a 3D object placed on top of the helmet and is a key component of the coat of arms. While not all coats of arms have crests, when they do, they serve as a simplified symbol of the entire coat of arms.

The crest is often an animal or object that is significant to the individual or family it represents. For example, the crest could be a lion, eagle, or even an anchor. The crest is placed directly above the helmet, which itself sits above the shield. The helmet's design can vary depending on the bearer's rank, the century represented, or simply the artist's preference.

The crest is an essential part of the coat of arms' overall symbolism and serves as a key identifier. In the past, knights and royalty wore their coats of arms during battles and tournaments, making it easier to identify who was who. Today, coats of arms are still used by various institutions and individuals, such as universities and cities, and are considered intellectual property.

The crest, along with the other elements of the coat of arms, is described in an official written document called the "blazon of arms." This document uses specific code words to denote colours, placement, and styling. While the artist has some freedom in the depiction, the blazon ensures consistency in the heraldic depiction.

The crest, as a simplified symbol, can be used independently of the full coat of arms to represent the individual, family, or institution it is associated with. It is a powerful symbol that conveys honour, tradition, and history.

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