The earliest heraldic document handed down to us is a Roll of Arms produced between 1240 and 1245 during the reign of Henry III. It contains the names and arms of his barons and knights. From then on, arms upon shields increased in number. Until the reign of Henry V, knights and barons were joined by the general citizenry in selecting armorial bearings; however, Henry V issued a proclamation prohibiting the use of heraldic ensigns to all who could not show an original and valid right (except those "who had borne arms at Agincourt").

With the decline of chivalry, the study of heraldry was neglected. Nonetheless, the use of heraldry as a key to history and biography is today acknowledged, not just in England, but throughout Europe as well.

In England and Wales arms are granted under the authority of the Earl Marshal. In Scotland the authority rests with the Lyon King of Arms. In Ireland the Ulster King of Arms grants arms.

Heralds were originally of a military and diplomatic character, but in time they were relegated to granting and regulating armorial bearings, investigating genealogies, and superintending public ceremonies.

Among those ceremonies in which the Herald played a key role were jousting tournaments. Since the knights entered the field of battle with their helmets closed, the only way to identify the knight was through his coat of arms. The Herald, usually with a loud blast from his trumpet, was required to announce the name of the various knights after interpreting the coat of arms depicted on their shields.

Today, the term Herald is applied to those individuals who possess the knowledge and vocabulary requisite to provide a properly detailed description (i.e. blazon) for any given coat of arms so that an accurate, full color depiction of said arms may be produced from it.

It must be understood that it is only through a rather strict, formal process that a person may claim the legitimate use of an individual coat of arms. Be that as it may, it has long been true that many of us take great joy in investigating those coats of arms previously granted to individuals who bore our family name; consequently, the Gold Country Celtic Society has seen fit to establish the position of Chief Herald to assist in all such inquiries.

The Chief Herald of the Gold Country Celtic Society will assist members or other individuals viewing our web site in locating and accurately describing those coats of arms from England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales which may be associated with their family surname.

The shield is the only required part of the arms; all other parts are optional.

The shield is always described first, starting with the Tinctures (colors) followed by the Ordinaries (anything borne on the coat of arms)

Appendages to the shield are the Helmet, the Crest, the Wreath, the Mantling, a Motto and a Chapeau (hat)

See: http://www.heraldica.org/questions.htm

FOR ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR COAT OF ARMS INQUIRIES