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Space is a little limited here to do such a rich and wonderful subject any justice but in brief…………………
Knights on the Battlefield or in Jousting Tournaments found it difficult to identify each other in plain armour – ergo the use of a colourful coat (hence “coat of arms”) over their armour, combined with a matching mantle which shaded the back of the Knight’s helmet from the heat of the sun – a protection the Crusades emphasised the need for! This mantle came to be held in place by a “wreath” in silk or leather and on top of this, on his helmet would be the “coronet” or “chapeau” (depending on rank). On all of this he would then place a “crest” for example an eagle or some other symbol of his family or his “achievements”. Horses, Heralds and Servants would be regaled in the same “colours.” From such simple and purposeful beginnings evolved the most complicated form of giant shorthand crossed with code! Soon the Science of Heraldry would be born, with the Heralds taking over the design of Coats of Arms and how these should be “differenced” for future generations or in marriage. These Coats of Arms “tell the story” of the family with which they are associated through use of “devices” such as shapes on the “shield” the colour of the shield, how the shield is “quartered” (divided), rondels, stripes, chevrons, and so on – and of course a motto.
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These Coats of Arms were used not only in the field of joust or the battlefield, but in everyday life too with carriages, linens and cufflinks all portraying the “crest” – a shortened version of the Coat of Arms where the crest and wreath alone are enclosed in a “buckle” – reminiscent of those days when the Chief or “great man” could command his retainers to wear this emblem suspended on a leather “belt” around their necks!
Amidst a huge revival in interest in Heraldry companies as well as individuals, clubs and other organisations are now using heraldic devices as their logo on the modern battlefield!
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