This Coat of Arms also represents the United Kingdom; we see lions, a unicorn, crowns, helmet and other significant objects all with specific individual meanings. Typically a lion will represent courage, nobility, royalty, strength and valour whilst a unicorn can be a symbol of purity. These both also represent England and Scotland showing that objects or animals can have multiple, multiple-layered meanings. In an article of this length we can only scratch the surface of heraldic symbolism and the intricate details contained in a typical coat of arms.
The breadth of symbolism, design and significance has led to innumerable variations. The College of Arms, a royal corporation with jurisdiction over England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth, offers services including recording, granting and regulation of heraldry, coats of arms and pedigrees.
Dating from this organisation is the authority on the subject. An alternative is to create one that is unique and meaningful to your family! Designing your own coat of arms can be fun and insightful. A coat of arms can be very detailed, and it often includes many elements. Although not every coat of arms has every piece, the following parts are often incorporated in the design.
Shield: The shield is the center of the design; it is the only necessary piece when designing a coat of arms. Helm: A helmet rests below the crest but above the shield. It reflects the origins of heraldry. A crown could replace or accompany the helmet. Mantling: The mantling is a piece of cloth that flows out from the helmet. Supporters: A pair of people or animals stand on either side of the shield and support it. Compartment: The compartment is a base design usually a landscape on which the shield and supporters rest.
Motto: The motto is a saying displayed on a ribbon either below or above the rest of the design. These resources explain meanings behind different items and colors you can use in your family crest and coat of arms. Whereas ordinaries were basic shapes that would be recognised outside of heraldry, patterns such as a fret, flinches or inescutcheon would not be. Whereas knights would have had a helmet above their shield, peers of the realm would have had some form of crown that denoted their rank.
A baron would have had a crown that only had silver balls on the pattern. An earl would have had strawberry leaves with silver balls above them; a marques would have had a strawberry leaf followed by a silver ball that was followed by a strawberry leaf while an earl has a pattern only of strawberry leaves.
The description of a coat of arms was known as blazoning. The painting of arms was known as emblazoning. A shield invariably had three important parts to it. The top section was known as in chief, the middle section was known as in fess while the lower section was known as in base.
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