How Early Coats of Arms were granted.
Since the early 13th century, Coats of Arms and Heraldry have been a source of great fascination as well as a subject of true historical importance. It is easy to understand why more than half a million Coats of Arms recorded by individuals with their respective family names are still being research after more than seven centuries.
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How the term Coat of Arms evolved makes an interesting story. Because wars were almost a continual occurrence during the Middle Ages, more and more armour was added to a knight s battle uniform until the medieval warrior was finally protected from head to toe. The metal suit of armor always included a helmet to protect the head, thus it was virtually impossible to tell one knight from another. In order to prevent any mishaps on the battlefield, such as one friend injuring another, a means of identification was necessary. A colourful solution came as knights painted patterns on their battle shields. These patterns were eventually woven into cloth surcoats which were worn over the suit of armor. In fact, many a horse was also seen in a fancy cloth surcoat with his master s Coat of Arms on the side.
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The colourful identification was certainly displayed with great pride. As more designs were created, it became necessary to register or copyright these designs, to prevent two knights from using the same insignia. Records were kept that gave each knight exclusive rights to his arms. In many cases, records were then compiled listing the family name and an exact description of its Coat of Arms. These were called armorials or blazons.
The word heraldry is associated with Coats of Arms due to the role of the herald in recording the blazons, and comes from a common practice at a medieval sporting event. Tournaments (or jousting contests) were popular during the days of knighthood, and as each solider was presented at a tournament, a herald sounded the trumpet and then announced the knight s achievements and described his Arms. The heralds would then record the Arms as a way of ensuring
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The first Arms were quite simple, consisting only of the shield. The design was set off with a horizontal or vertical band, star or half moons; however, the renderings became more complex during later times.
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Some families have also passed down mottos through the ages. They may have begun as war cries or were a variation of a family name. They may express piety, hope or determination, or commemorate a deed or past occasion. The historical tradition of Coats of Arms became more complicated as the designs became more complex.
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The Spendlove Coat of Arms
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The Spendlove Coat of Arms illustrated is officially documented in BURKE S GENERAL ARMORY. The original description of the Arms (Shield) is as follows:
Or, a Lion Ramp, Betw. Three Billets SA
When translated the Blazon also describes the original colours of the Spendlove Arms as
Gold; A Black Lion, attacking between three black rectangles.
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Historic meanings of the Spendlove Blazon
Or - (Gold) Generosity and elevation of the mind
Lion Ramp - Dauntless courage
Billet/Billettee - Bricks or letters (correspondence); one who obtained credence, knowledge, and faith in his words and deeds; one who is secret in one's affairs.
sa - (Sable/Black) Constancy or grief
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