Family Crest Information

The Shield
It is the object where the emblem or charges of heraldry are shown. It may vary in shape: the most common being a rectangle with a tip at its base.

The space within the lines of the shield is known as the field. The shield may be devided horizontally into three equal parts known as chief, fess and base respectively.

The shield is distinguished by certain colors, metals and fur called tinctures, and it may be divided into a number of certain shapes by certain division lines and charged with a variety of animals both real and fabulous, geometric figures and other objects which are known as ordinaries or charges.

The lines that divide the shield or charges are always straight unless otherwise described. The most frequently used patition lines, other than straight lines are shown below.

The Crest

The crest is placed above the helmet. It originated in the necessity of distinguishing one chief from another. in the battle field. Usually it is taken from a charge in the shield and for a long time only Sovereigns or Commanders in the field wore one, though later on its use became generalized. There are nowadays many a coats of arms that do not have a crest. Originally it as carved of light wood and was faqstened to the helmet by the Torse or Wreath which was formed by two pieces of silk twisted together.

The Mantle

The mantle derives from the word MANTEAU and served as a protection from the heat and cold being spread over from the helmet.

The Helmet

The helmet varied in shape in different ages and countries, but in heraldry it is always shown in profile and looking to the right of the shield. Helmets of Kings and Nobility are shown full face.

The Supporters

Supporters date from the fourteenth century and are animals standing erect supporting the shield. Their use is limited to Royalty and The Nobility.

The Motto

The Motto is a word or sentence displayed in a scroll underneath the shield, or sometimes over the crest. It probably originated with the "cri de guerre" or war cry.



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