THE HISTORY OF COATS OF ARMS, FAMILY CRESTS AND HERALDRY

EARLY ORIGIN

Heraldry in its broad meaning has to do with the functions of a herald. A herald was appointed to announce tournaments, carry messages from one manor to another, and to record the various insignia borne by the individuals. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter and served a function on the battlefield and in tournament. In the confusion of battle the knight clad in armour from head to toe could barely recognize friend from foe. With his helmet covering his face, the only means of identification to his followers was the insignia which he had painted on his shield and embroidered on his surcoat.

After a battle or campaign, the knight would return to his castle and the vassal to his modest home and each would hang his shield and helmet on the wall. The helmet was positioned above the shield. The cloak or mantle which the warrior wore to protect him from the heat of the sun and abrasion of the metal against his neck was draped about the shield. The belongings of those who had died in battle were brought back by a friend and the scene was repeated in every humble cottage and magnificent abode.

When the arms were depicted by an artist, the mantle, which in actuality hung lifelessly around the shield, was sketched with great flourish and imagination. Battle tears were exaggerated and the cloth was twisted and furled showing inner lining as well. This decorative effect is often wrongly considered a recorded part of an armorial achievement.

COAT OF ARMS (ARMS ACHIEVEMENT)

The term 'coat of arms' is commonly used to describe the recorded blazon (or verbal description) of any issued armorial bearing. Initially the arms were painted on the battle shield and served a functional purpose much as an insignia identifies contemporary armed forces.

The very simple coats are probably the most ancient. The shield, wielded in a foray, was generally made of a wood frame across which a leather hide was stretched. The rim and center point was often studded for additional support and metal bands were placed horizontally and vertically to strengthen the shield.
These bands were painted or decorated with a different tincture (i.e. metal or color) to contrast with the shield's base color. The combination of geometric shapes and colors served as an identification of the bearer. This was perhaps the very first form of what was later to be a formalized process of arms development.
Eventuallv, however, the evolvement of new geometric shapes and colors reached a dead end and duplications resulted.

CHARGES ON ARMS

Prior to the 11th century, the lords and nobles had always legalized documents and transactions with their seal, which bore a symbol recognized as belonging to that person. These usually were of a characteristic nature and took the form of some animal, deity, event, or topographic marking which was re(:ognized by all persons in the area. It was natural that this device be added to the earlier geometric design on the face of the lord's battle shield, and become a part of his coat of arms. Thus we have the additions of animals and other devices which are called "charges".

It must be noted that at this early time the surname had not evolved as yet, and most of the inhabitants of Europe were unable to read or write. This included the nobility and land owners, lords, nobles, barons, and kings, as well as commoners. The clergy and monks who studied in the abbeys were called upon to write documents and proclamations, and to keep every day records. Each court had a member of the clergy, or "clerk", who performed these duties for the regent.