Discovering Heraldry
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Discovering Heraldry - Jacqueline Fearn
“The elements of gentlemanly (originally knightly) status, individuality and distinction implied by the bearing of a coat of arms have been consistent characteristics of heraldry and key elements of survival.”
As with all of the Shire Discovery series, Heraldry is an invaluable research tool for anyone curious about a new subject or starting a related hobby. This is a wonderful jumping off point for further research, but, as with all enthusiasms, your mileage may very with the authors.
The origins and uses of heraldry go back to a mostly illiterate age, where images created an understandable language of identification. The idea itself goes back to ancient times, when warriors used tribal symbols and armies, like those of the Roman Empire, marched under elaborate standards.
But the system of heraldry as we know it developed quickly and in an organized fashion in the 12th century. As huge, international groups went on Crusade together it became more difficult, and more important, to be able to identify countrymen living and dead. At the same time the rise of the tournament circuit and a desire for ever greater pageantry created a further need for each knight to have a personal, highly visible device.
The heralds of the era created a private language. Heralds became so important that soon every noble house and not just the king had one. When the feudal era ended heralds were employed by the Earl Marshall in ensuring coats of arms were correct and correctly charged. The heralds created their own hierarchy during this time, a remnant of which exists to today in the form of the various English heraldic kings, the most important being the Garter King of Arms.
By the 14th century many prosperous families with no military history found they could now join the ranks of the armorally gifted. Even cities and large organizations were buying the right to a personal device.
Because these devices served no practical purpose (i.e. they didn’t need to be easily identified in battle) and because of the increased demand for them this era saw the beginning of the highly detailed devices we are familiar with today. In fact, as devices no longer needed to fit an actual shield their name was changed from coat of arms to an achievement of arms.
“The language of heraldry grew out of a need to record and describe arms in words so accurately that a totally correct picture could be drawn.” In other words, while much heraldic language may seem awkward to modern ears, in Anglo-French it is perfectly clear.
The most practical part of Fearn’s book is a concise, easy to understand glossary of heraldic terms and rules, including explanations for some of the odder ones. The images included help immensely. (You will now understand the difference between battled embattled and dancety floretty - which I am sure will come as a great comfort).
Animals have always been an important part of heraldry, with special rules applying to their uses and positions. Lions are the pre-eminent heraldic beats, but creatures from goats to trout have found their way onto devices.
One of the most interesting categories is that of heraldic monsters. Antelopes and tigers are included in this category, as heralds had never seen these animals and basically guessed what they would look like based on third and fourth hand information. Rarer creatures such as griffins, opinicus and harpies were heraldically correct.
Flora is also common, the most famous examples being the Fleur-de-lis, the Tudor Rose, and the Scottish Thistle.
In time a crested helm became an important part of an individual’s arms. The great helms of tourney fighting were the primary place to display a crest, as in an actual battle the extra weight (and target) was impractical. When the tourney era ended and crests no longer needed to be wearable they quickly became huge, wildly elaborate, and impossible to wear even if one wanted to.
For anyone interested in learning more about this subject, or wanting a quick, easy to use reference, Discovering Heraldry would be invaluable. If, on the other hand, you are not sure that you need to break your brain trying to understand the marshalling of arms, you may want to learn Anglo-French. It has to be easier to understand.
Shire Publishing
September 2006
ISBN: 9780747806608