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A Guide To Heraldry
Introduction:
Heraldry is a system of hereditary identification using visual symbols called coats of arms, or armorial bearings. In origin, armorial bearings consisted of a variety of conventional devices, or charges, displayed on the shield, or escutcheon, of the medieval knight. The practice of displaying the same emblem on the knight's surcoat, or tabard, the tunic worn over his armor, gave rise to the expression "coat of arms." The use of such symbols, which became elaborate, soon spread beyond the military field.
Heraldry became systematized early in its history and development with the development of specialized vocabulary called blazon to describe the devices used in constructing a coat of arms.
The links to the left contain countless bits of information to make your understanding of the wonderful art of Heraldry. They will also give you the ability to design your own Heraldic Achievement.
For some more information about the development of heraldry click here A Brief History Of Heraldry.
Conclusion:
I hope that the information on this site has been a useful guide to the wonderful art of heraldry. This site was intended to give you an overview of the purpose and the techniques used in designing coats of arms as well as give you some ideas in designing a coat of arms of your own. It is important to remember to have fun with this and to keep a good sence of reality when designing your coat of arms. I hope that the links on the parts of a coat of arms (as shown twice above) helped you understand the basic components of an Armorial Bearings. I also hope that the Basic Achievement, which is blank, begins you on your designing.
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