An Introduction to Heraldry in the Middle Ages
by Otis Norman Crandell
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
Definition of "heraldry"
Focus of this Article
Origins
The Shape of the Shield
BLAZON
Origins and Explanation
COLOURING (Tincture)
Metals
Colours
Furs
The Rule of Tincture.
PARTED FIELDS
Partitions
Lines of Partition
CHARGES
Shield points
ORDINARIES
Examples
Cottices
SUBORDINARIES
Examples
CHARGES IN A SHAPE
Examples
Charges in a Pattern and Semee
COMMON CHARGES
Quadrupeds
Winged Animals
Swimming Animals
Plants
Other Objects
Postures of Common Charges (Attitudes)
Quadrupeds
Winged Animals
Swimming Animals
Others
Multiple Charges
Parts
FURTHER NOTES ON TINCTURES
Counter-Changed
Proper
Fimbriation
Voiding
ORGANISATION OF A BLAZON
Order for Blazoning
Order of Details for Describing a Charge or Group of Charges
Layering Fields and Charges
Examples of Complete Coats of Arms and Their Blazons
ACHIEVEMENT OF ARMS
Origins and Explanation
IN CONCLUSION
Download an MS Word version of this article.
Back to The Historical Recreation and Experimental Archaeology page.