What is a ‘coat of arms’?
WHY did people start using fancy devices on shields and other bits of military equipment?
There are many possible reasons, and it’s probably true that the true origins are a little obscure – even though a great deal has been uncovered in recent years.
But the best introduction to armory is perhaps the tale told in a few words and cleverly drawn pictures by Sir Iain Moncreiffe[1] and Don Pottinger[2] in their book Simple Heraldry.[3] Their story reads:
“A man in full armour was unrecognisable.
“So each man wore a distinctive coat, by which he could be recognised over his armour. This was called his coat ‘of arms’.
“These ‘arms’ were displayed on his banner, shield and horsecloth, as well as on his coat.–
“And came to be worn in civil life too.
“As no two men in the same region could wear exactly the same coat of arms, these ‘arms’ were soon used separately as personal symbols – and especially to mark their owners’ possessions, because few people could read in those days. Such a
coat of arms is usually depicted on a shield.
“A personal ‘crest’ of light wood or boiled leather came to be worn – like a cock’s comb – on top of the helmet.
“Below the crest a silken mantle hung down to keep the heat of the sun off the back of
the armour.
“This ‘mantling’ was kept in place by a wreath of twisted silk.
“Some great men wore a ‘chapeau’ or a crest-coronet instead of the wreath.
“Helmet, crest and mantling are usually depicted above the shield.
“With the addition of a motto on a scroll, this forms the normal heraldic ‘achievement’ of an ordinary gentleman.”
To read more about heraldic symbols and their display, click here.
