Did you know that most family names have their own coat of arms? Coats of arms, also known as family crests, first appeared in Great Britain during the 13th century. Examination of the Bayeux Tapestry reveals no trace of family crests, nor is there evidence that arms were used in the 12th century.However, in the 13th century, arms were found throughout Europe and the whole ’science’ of heraldry – its rules and terms – had been established. During this time the Crusades undoubtedly helped spread the use of coats of arms.
Various suggestions have been put forward regarding the origin of Coats of arms, also known as family crests,, for example: banners, tabards and of course shields. Probably, once a design had been adapted, it would have been put to many personal items at the same time. To qualify as a coat of arms, a design must be capable of being depicted on a shield, but the name is derived from the linen tabard which was worn over the armor and upon which the design was shown. This was called a surcoat, which lead to the term ‘coat of arms’.
It was in battle that the need for armorial bearings arose. In times of warfare it was the nobility, the land-owners, who were called upon for leadership, and each landowner would control his small group of illiterate men in battle. With the helmet of a suit of armor closed in battle it would have been difficult to identify the man inside, hence the distinctive coat of arms or family crest pictured on a shield and embroidered surcoat became essential.
Not surprisingly, the granting of heraldic arms was to the elite: landowners and knights of the realm. The king, after all, exercised great power and even land changed hands by royal license. So to coats of arms which were granted by the king. However, before long what in this day and age we would describe as the ‘middle classes’ soon started to display family crests even though these were not sanctioned by the king. Heralds and other court officials toured the land trying to stamp out this unwelcome practice but it was to no avail. Coats of arms were here to stay and spreading to the masses.
Heraldry is becoming increasingly popular today with many families hanging prints and shields in their homes. The shields are smaller these days of course, but then today’s houses are a tad smaller than the banqueting halls in ancient castles. A few sad people would have you believe that you have no right to display your family crest, but any copyright will have expired centuries ago and, anyway, who is being harmed by the practice?