Heraldic Times

Medieval Towns and Trades part 2

September 9, 2025

Wooden houses, smoky streets, and market day excitement—medieval towns were full of character. Here’s what daily life looked like centuries ago.

Medieval Towns and Trades part 2

September 9, 2025

Wooden houses, smoky streets, and market day excitement—medieval towns were full of character. Here’s what daily life looked like centuries ago.

Medieval Towns and Trades part 1

August 19, 2025

When soldiers returned from the Crusades, they brought back treasures from the East—spices, fruits, perfumes, dyes, silks, and jewels. The people of Europe were fascinated by these exotic goods. Soon, the traditional farming life that had sustained Europe for centuries no longer felt like enough. People craved new and different...

Medieval Towns and Trades part 1

August 19, 2025

When soldiers returned from the Crusades, they brought back treasures from the East—spices, fruits, perfumes, dyes, silks, and jewels. The people of Europe were fascinated by these exotic goods. Soon, the traditional farming life that had sustained Europe for centuries no longer felt like enough. People craved new and different...

The Feudal System part 2

July 19, 2025

In the feudal system, a lord had a group of vassals—essentially loyal followers—who owed him military service. These vassals formed the lord’s personal army, which he used to fight his own battles. However, he didn’t have the power to stop his vassals from fighting among themselves or from serving other...

The Feudal System part 2

July 19, 2025

In the feudal system, a lord had a group of vassals—essentially loyal followers—who owed him military service. These vassals formed the lord’s personal army, which he used to fight his own battles. However, he didn’t have the power to stop his vassals from fighting among themselves or from serving other...

The Feudal System part 1

June 30, 2025

Feudalism, also known as the feudal system, was a way of organizing society based on land and loyalty. It looked a little different depending on the country, time period, or ruler, but it always had two main features. First, everyone who held land—except the king—didn’t actually own it; they were...

The Feudal System part 1

June 30, 2025

Feudalism, also known as the feudal system, was a way of organizing society based on land and loyalty. It looked a little different depending on the country, time period, or ruler, but it always had two main features. First, everyone who held land—except the king—didn’t actually own it; they were...

Knighthood

May 31, 2025

The founding values of chivalry were service and loyalty. Later the idea of knight-errantry was introduced, quests, adventures and combats at crossroads became a big part of knighthood.

Knighthood

May 31, 2025

The founding values of chivalry were service and loyalty. Later the idea of knight-errantry was introduced, quests, adventures and combats at crossroads became a big part of knighthood.

Early Medieval Heraldry

May 16, 2025

For those who can read heraldry, the entire history of the second half of the middle ages can be found on a coat of arms.However, an air of mystery always shrouds them, and even experts sometimes find it difficult to explain the meaning behind some symbols. #heraldry, #medieval, #CrestRing, #history,...

Early Medieval Heraldry

May 16, 2025

For those who can read heraldry, the entire history of the second half of the middle ages can be found on a coat of arms.However, an air of mystery always shrouds them, and even experts sometimes find it difficult to explain the meaning behind some symbols. #heraldry, #medieval, #CrestRing, #history,...

The Medieval Castle part 2

May 4, 2025

The easiest way to attack a castle was to starve the occupants but this was not always possible. In order to starve the occupants of the castle you had to catch them by surprise if not they would have time to collect supplies to survive. To get through the walls...

The Medieval Castle part 2

May 4, 2025

The easiest way to attack a castle was to starve the occupants but this was not always possible. In order to starve the occupants of the castle you had to catch them by surprise if not they would have time to collect supplies to survive. To get through the walls...

The Medieval Castle part 1

April 12, 2025

Medieval castles were usually built in a strategic place such as on top of a hill, on the edge of a cliff, or beside a river. If there were no naturally safe places nearby a moat would be built around the castle to protect it.

The Medieval Castle part 1

April 12, 2025

Medieval castles were usually built in a strategic place such as on top of a hill, on the edge of a cliff, or beside a river. If there were no naturally safe places nearby a moat would be built around the castle to protect it.

The Medieval Manor

April 7, 2025

A medieval manor was typically composed of meadows, woods, fields, rivers, a mill, wine press, church, and a village. All of this was owned and ruled by a lord and some richer lords even had numerous manors. The lord's castle was populated by servants who worked for the lord in return...

The Medieval Manor

April 7, 2025

A medieval manor was typically composed of meadows, woods, fields, rivers, a mill, wine press, church, and a village. All of this was owned and ruled by a lord and some richer lords even had numerous manors. The lord's castle was populated by servants who worked for the lord in return...

The Medieval Church part 2

February 14, 2025

While bishops and priests worked among the people, guiding them toward God, another group chose a more secluded path. These men built monasteries, dedicating their lives to prayer, work, and worship.

The Medieval Church part 2

February 14, 2025

While bishops and priests worked among the people, guiding them toward God, another group chose a more secluded path. These men built monasteries, dedicating their lives to prayer, work, and worship.

Simon Benning " Villagers on their way to church " c.1550

The Medieval Church part 1

February 6, 2025

In the 12th century, during the reign of King Richard I, the Roman Catholic Church played a central role in daily life across Western Europe. People followed Church laws, paid taxes to the Church, and in return, they were promised eternal happiness after their often short and difficult lives. Many...

The Medieval Church part 1

February 6, 2025

In the 12th century, during the reign of King Richard I, the Roman Catholic Church played a central role in daily life across Western Europe. People followed Church laws, paid taxes to the Church, and in return, they were promised eternal happiness after their often short and difficult lives. Many...

Heraldic Design and Architechture

March 6, 2019

RIPON CATHEDRAL WINDOW . The tradition of adding coats of arms on cutlery, plates and other household items dates at least to the 14th Century. Many wills from the 14th Century list various household items emblazoned with the bequeather’s coat of arms. Heraldry was also integrated into the field of...

Heraldic Design and Architechture

March 6, 2019

RIPON CATHEDRAL WINDOW . The tradition of adding coats of arms on cutlery, plates and other household items dates at least to the 14th Century. Many wills from the 14th Century list various household items emblazoned with the bequeather’s coat of arms. Heraldry was also integrated into the field of...

Heraldic Clothing, the Tabard

February 27, 2019

HERALDIC TABARD . Originally the Tabard was a loose fitting item of clothing popular with laborers and casual workers, similar to a modern day smock. The nobility commandeered the Tabard and made it their own by customizing it with the coat of arms embroidered on the front and back as...

Heraldic Clothing, the Tabard

February 27, 2019

HERALDIC TABARD . Originally the Tabard was a loose fitting item of clothing popular with laborers and casual workers, similar to a modern day smock. The nobility commandeered the Tabard and made it their own by customizing it with the coat of arms embroidered on the front and back as...

Heraldic Clothing, the Jupon

February 20, 2019

14th CENTURY HUNGARIAN JUPON . Eventually, as fashions changed the Cyclas was succeeded by the Jupon. The Jupon was a sleeveless surcoat that came down as far as the waist only. When the Jupon became popular the practise of embroidering coats of arms on clothes was at its most popular....

Heraldic Clothing, the Jupon

February 20, 2019

14th CENTURY HUNGARIAN JUPON . Eventually, as fashions changed the Cyclas was succeeded by the Jupon. The Jupon was a sleeveless surcoat that came down as far as the waist only. When the Jupon became popular the practise of embroidering coats of arms on clothes was at its most popular....

Heraldic Clothing, the Cyclas

February 13, 2019

When, during the reign of Edward II, the surcoat was shortened to the waist but still remained flowing behind it became known as a Cyclas. It has been debated as to whether the Cyclas should be considered a strictly heraldic piece of clothing because although it was worn by nobles...

Heraldic Clothing, the Cyclas

February 13, 2019

When, during the reign of Edward II, the surcoat was shortened to the waist but still remained flowing behind it became known as a Cyclas. It has been debated as to whether the Cyclas should be considered a strictly heraldic piece of clothing because although it was worn by nobles...

Heraldic Clothing

February 6, 2019

14th CENTURY SURCOATS . As early as the 12th Century it was customary for noblemen to wear a surcoat on top of their armor. Evidence of this can be found on the Seal of King John who reigned from 1189 to 1199. The purpose of the surcoat would have been...

Heraldic Clothing

February 6, 2019

14th CENTURY SURCOATS . As early as the 12th Century it was customary for noblemen to wear a surcoat on top of their armor. Evidence of this can be found on the Seal of King John who reigned from 1189 to 1199. The purpose of the surcoat would have been...

How Arms were displayed

November 28, 2018

During the Middle Ages there was an eagerness to display ones coat of arms to show others that you were of noble birth and had been granted an achievement of arms. The coat of arms would be displayed in as many places as possible, inside ones home or castle, the...

How Arms were displayed

November 28, 2018

During the Middle Ages there was an eagerness to display ones coat of arms to show others that you were of noble birth and had been granted an achievement of arms. The coat of arms would be displayed in as many places as possible, inside ones home or castle, the...

Heraldic Badges

November 21, 2018

In heraldry a badge is an emblem used as a mark of recognition by a person and are particularly found in the tradition of British heraldry. Badges first came into vogue among British nobility and gentry in the fourteenth century. They originated in the court of King Edward III who...

Heraldic Badges

November 21, 2018

In heraldry a badge is an emblem used as a mark of recognition by a person and are particularly found in the tradition of British heraldry. Badges first came into vogue among British nobility and gentry in the fourteenth century. They originated in the court of King Edward III who...

The Herald 8

November 14, 2018

SIR PHILLIP SYDNEY Even in death it was deemed importance to mark your status in society for the sixteenth century nobility. It was normal for the funeral of a noble to be organized by a herald. This was a good opportunity for herald's to supplement their income and this often...

The Herald 8

November 14, 2018

SIR PHILLIP SYDNEY Even in death it was deemed importance to mark your status in society for the sixteenth century nobility. It was normal for the funeral of a noble to be organized by a herald. This was a good opportunity for herald's to supplement their income and this often...

The Herald 7

November 7, 2018

Visitations were one of the main ways that heralds recorded, granted and corrected coats of arms in the sixteenth century. Provincial kings were authorized to make visitations of counties in their provinces starting in the year 1530. In summertime they would travel to one county so it took many years...

The Herald 7

November 7, 2018

Visitations were one of the main ways that heralds recorded, granted and corrected coats of arms in the sixteenth century. Provincial kings were authorized to make visitations of counties in their provinces starting in the year 1530. In summertime they would travel to one county so it took many years...

The Herald 6

October 31, 2018

Some heralds liked to write about heraldry and genealogy and several of them belonged to the Society of Antiquaries. Their writing and collection of old manuscripts fitted in well with the work of the society and they frequently met in Garter's chambers at the College of Arms. Some of the...

The Herald 6

October 31, 2018

Some heralds liked to write about heraldry and genealogy and several of them belonged to the Society of Antiquaries. Their writing and collection of old manuscripts fitted in well with the work of the society and they frequently met in Garter's chambers at the College of Arms. Some of the...

The Herald 5

October 24, 2018

Following the death of an officer in the office of Heraldry his replacement typically came from the ranks of those below him. The Garter was the most senior in ranks of the Heralds, and when he died he would be replaced by one of the provincial kings. The provincial king...

The Herald 5

October 24, 2018

Following the death of an officer in the office of Heraldry his replacement typically came from the ranks of those below him. The Garter was the most senior in ranks of the Heralds, and when he died he would be replaced by one of the provincial kings. The provincial king...

The Herald 4

October 17, 2018

The job of the Herald was to represent and advise his lord or master in all matters related to heraldry. Originally Herald's were messengers, trusted with conveying messages between nobles within the kingdom and sometimes further afield. When a jousting tournament was in the planning stages the noble lord planning...

The Herald 4

October 17, 2018

The job of the Herald was to represent and advise his lord or master in all matters related to heraldry. Originally Herald's were messengers, trusted with conveying messages between nobles within the kingdom and sometimes further afield. When a jousting tournament was in the planning stages the noble lord planning...

The Herald 3

October 10, 2018

The heralds were granted a charter by Richard III, who was a patron, in 1484. The heralds were incorporated as the College of Arms which still exists to this day. The College of Arms established their headquarters at Coldharbour house in London, a grant from their patron Richard III. Richard...

The Herald 3

October 10, 2018

The heralds were granted a charter by Richard III, who was a patron, in 1484. The heralds were incorporated as the College of Arms which still exists to this day. The College of Arms established their headquarters at Coldharbour house in London, a grant from their patron Richard III. Richard...

The Herald 2

October 3, 2018

In the late 13th Century lords started hiring their own private heralds. These private Heralds added to the lord’s prestige by announcing his name, achievemnets and tirles as he entered the arena for the jousting tournament.The herlad would wear the coat of arms of his lord on his surcoat. In...

The Herald 2

October 3, 2018

In the late 13th Century lords started hiring their own private heralds. These private Heralds added to the lord’s prestige by announcing his name, achievemnets and tirles as he entered the arena for the jousting tournament.The herlad would wear the coat of arms of his lord on his surcoat. In...

The Herald 1

September 26, 2018

There is no evidence that coats of arms were passed down from generation to generation until the Middle Ages. The hereditary element of heraldry did not become common until armor came into popular usage and heraldic symbols were recognized as leader's emblems. When this idea spread and became adopted in...

The Herald 1

September 26, 2018

There is no evidence that coats of arms were passed down from generation to generation until the Middle Ages. The hereditary element of heraldry did not become common until armor came into popular usage and heraldic symbols were recognized as leader's emblems. When this idea spread and became adopted in...

The Beginning of Heraldry

September 19, 2018

Heraldry finds its origins in pictorial devices which were used as individual or tribal marks of identification by ancient civilizations. These family devices were more like badges than coats of arms and their assumption at a certain stage of civilization became necessary because people were very much alike, and without...

The Beginning of Heraldry

September 19, 2018

Heraldry finds its origins in pictorial devices which were used as individual or tribal marks of identification by ancient civilizations. These family devices were more like badges than coats of arms and their assumption at a certain stage of civilization became necessary because people were very much alike, and without...

The Lions of England, part 2

June 6, 2018

What is the origin of the second lion in the Royal Arms of England? Some historians suggest that it came into the Arms through Henry I’s marriage to Adeliza, daughter of Godfrey of Louvain, image above, who bore a lion in allusion to his name (Leuwon : Leones). But there...

The Lions of England, part 2

June 6, 2018

What is the origin of the second lion in the Royal Arms of England? Some historians suggest that it came into the Arms through Henry I’s marriage to Adeliza, daughter of Godfrey of Louvain, image above, who bore a lion in allusion to his name (Leuwon : Leones). But there...

The Lions of England, part 1

May 30, 2018

The Lion is a lively image of a good soldier, who must be valiant of courage., strong of body, politicke in counsell, and a foe to feare.” -- Guillim, Display of HeraldryThe Armorial Roll of Caerlaverock from 1300 describes the Arms of the King of England as “ Three leopards of fine...

The Lions of England, part 1

May 30, 2018

The Lion is a lively image of a good soldier, who must be valiant of courage., strong of body, politicke in counsell, and a foe to feare.” -- Guillim, Display of HeraldryThe Armorial Roll of Caerlaverock from 1300 describes the Arms of the King of England as “ Three leopards of fine...

The Battle of Hastings and The Norman Conquest,...

May 23, 2018

The badge of Sagittary or Sagittarius, the centaur armed with a bow and arrow is attributed to Stephen of Blois and it is thought that this emblem commemorated a victory won by his archers. An alternative theory is that he took his badge from the sign of the zodiac under...

The Battle of Hastings and The Norman Conquest,...

May 23, 2018

The badge of Sagittary or Sagittarius, the centaur armed with a bow and arrow is attributed to Stephen of Blois and it is thought that this emblem commemorated a victory won by his archers. An alternative theory is that he took his badge from the sign of the zodiac under...

The Battle of Hastings and The Norman Conquest,...

May 16, 2018

CITY OF LONDON ARMS Historically, the dragon is more properly regarded as William of Normandy’s emblem than the two lions posthumously conferred on him by the heralds. There...

The Battle of Hastings and The Norman Conquest,...

May 16, 2018

CITY OF LONDON ARMS Historically, the dragon is more properly regarded as William of Normandy’s emblem than the two lions posthumously conferred on him by the heralds. There...

The Battle of Hastings and The Norman Conquest,...

May 9, 2018

The actual Norman conquest which followed the Battle of Hastings occurred in a piecemeal fashion. This is suggested by the similarity between the Coats of Arms of certain cities and towns in widely disparate parts of England. For example, the gold and blue checkers of the Warrennes, Earls of Surrey...

The Battle of Hastings and The Norman Conquest,...

May 9, 2018

The actual Norman conquest which followed the Battle of Hastings occurred in a piecemeal fashion. This is suggested by the similarity between the Coats of Arms of certain cities and towns in widely disparate parts of England. For example, the gold and blue checkers of the Warrennes, Earls of Surrey...

The Battle of Hastings and The Norman Conquest,...

May 9, 2018

Duke William of Normandy had the sanction of the church for his expedition, and this is shown heraldically by the banner depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry; a red cross on a white background with a blue border. This was the flag that received the blessing of Pope Alexander. Although enjoying...

The Battle of Hastings and The Norman Conquest,...

May 9, 2018

Duke William of Normandy had the sanction of the church for his expedition, and this is shown heraldically by the banner depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry; a red cross on a white background with a blue border. This was the flag that received the blessing of Pope Alexander. Although enjoying...

The Battle of Hastings and The Norman Conquest,...

May 2, 2018

When William, Duke of Normandy, wrested control of England from King Harold, heraldry was not widely practiced in even the more advanced societies in Europe. The Bayeux Tapestry, the famous pictorial record of the Norman invasion, shows decorated shields and banners, and attempts have been made to identify individuals by...

The Battle of Hastings and The Norman Conquest,...

May 2, 2018

When William, Duke of Normandy, wrested control of England from King Harold, heraldry was not widely practiced in even the more advanced societies in Europe. The Bayeux Tapestry, the famous pictorial record of the Norman invasion, shows decorated shields and banners, and attempts have been made to identify individuals by...

Castle Spotlight, Schwerin Castle, Germany

April 25, 2018

Schwerin Castle located near Meclenburg in the old East Germany is a fairytale Castle set on a small island in a lake within the city of Schwerin. For many years the Castle was home to the Dukes and Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg. The Castle currently serves as the seat of...

Castle Spotlight, Schwerin Castle, Germany

April 25, 2018

Schwerin Castle located near Meclenburg in the old East Germany is a fairytale Castle set on a small island in a lake within the city of Schwerin. For many years the Castle was home to the Dukes and Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg. The Castle currently serves as the seat of...

The Arms of Edward the Confessor

April 18, 2018

A familiar site in Westminster Abbey is the Coat of Arms of Edward the Confessor which stand in many places in his greatest monument. Edward the Confessor (1003-1066) was the son of Aethelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy and is widely acknowledged as the last king of the House...

The Arms of Edward the Confessor

April 18, 2018

A familiar site in Westminster Abbey is the Coat of Arms of Edward the Confessor which stand in many places in his greatest monument. Edward the Confessor (1003-1066) was the son of Aethelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy and is widely acknowledged as the last king of the House...

Heraldry and personal honor

April 11, 2018

Today most people who posses a Coat of Arms regard it as no more than an interesting relic of an ancestral past; privately they may feel a sense of pride and satisfaction in the evidence of noble forbearers. However personal Heraldry is no longer indicative of class or privilege. The...

Heraldry and personal honor

April 11, 2018

Today most people who posses a Coat of Arms regard it as no more than an interesting relic of an ancestral past; privately they may feel a sense of pride and satisfaction in the evidence of noble forbearers. However personal Heraldry is no longer indicative of class or privilege. The...

The Elaboration of Coats of Arms

October 26, 2017

The practice of combining several Coats of Arms on one shield, known as “marshalling” arose from a desire to denote important marriage alliances. When a man married an heiress or co-heiress of an armorial family, he could incorporate her Arms permanently on his own shield, and transmit them to his...

The Elaboration of Coats of Arms

October 26, 2017

The practice of combining several Coats of Arms on one shield, known as “marshalling” arose from a desire to denote important marriage alliances. When a man married an heiress or co-heiress of an armorial family, he could incorporate her Arms permanently on his own shield, and transmit them to his...

The limitations of Heraldry part 3

October 4, 2017

Some Arms were devised to record the incidents of feudal tenure. For example, the family of Argenton, who once held the manor of Wimondley, which required the tenant to present a cup of wine to the King at his coronation, bore three silver covered cups on a red shield. Sir...

The limitations of Heraldry part 3

October 4, 2017

Some Arms were devised to record the incidents of feudal tenure. For example, the family of Argenton, who once held the manor of Wimondley, which required the tenant to present a cup of wine to the King at his coronation, bore three silver covered cups on a red shield. Sir...

The limitations of Heraldry part 2

September 27, 2017

Arms of casual origin include the basic ordinaries of the chief, fesse, chevron, and pale and they probably owe their origin to the bands of metal added to a shield for the sake of increasing its strength. A very early instance is the gold pale (vertical band) on a red...

The limitations of Heraldry part 2

September 27, 2017

Arms of casual origin include the basic ordinaries of the chief, fesse, chevron, and pale and they probably owe their origin to the bands of metal added to a shield for the sake of increasing its strength. A very early instance is the gold pale (vertical band) on a red...

The limitations of Heraldry part 1

September 20, 2017

The writer Planché memorably described Heraldry as “ the shorthand of history,” but in quoting that phrase the limitations of Heraldry and the dimensions of history must not be overlooked. The idea that every Coat of Arms has a symbolic meaning is false; it is not true of Heraldry, as...

The limitations of Heraldry part 1

September 20, 2017

The writer Planché memorably described Heraldry as “ the shorthand of history,” but in quoting that phrase the limitations of Heraldry and the dimensions of history must not be overlooked. The idea that every Coat of Arms has a symbolic meaning is false; it is not true of Heraldry, as...

Heraldry and The Crusades, part 7.

July 18, 2017

EDWARD IV The most ancient of all of the Heraldic symbols dating to the time of the crusades is the ‘bezant’ or gold coin. The term Bezant is of Eastern origin being derived from the name Byzantium, the gold roundel representing a Byzantine coin. The bezant is found upon the...

Heraldry and The Crusades, part 7.

July 18, 2017

EDWARD IV The most ancient of all of the Heraldic symbols dating to the time of the crusades is the ‘bezant’ or gold coin. The term Bezant is of Eastern origin being derived from the name Byzantium, the gold roundel representing a Byzantine coin. The bezant is found upon the...

Heraldry and The Crusades, part 6.

July 11, 2017

The crescent was not the only heraldic symbol that has survived from the crusades. Other notable charges dating from the time of the crusades are the escallop shell and the water bouget, it does not however follow that every family that bore such emblem s on their Coats of Arms...

Heraldry and The Crusades, part 6.

July 11, 2017

The crescent was not the only heraldic symbol that has survived from the crusades. Other notable charges dating from the time of the crusades are the escallop shell and the water bouget, it does not however follow that every family that bore such emblem s on their Coats of Arms...

Heraldry and the Crusades, part 5. The Seals of...

July 6, 2017

SEAL OF RICHARD I The two seals of Richard the Lionheart contain emblems that have a special connection to the Crusades. The first seal contains two crescent moons, each surmounted by a star-shaped object. The crescent moon referred to King Richard’s vocation as a crusader. It was the ancient symbol...

Heraldry and the Crusades, part 5. The Seals of...

July 6, 2017

SEAL OF RICHARD I The two seals of Richard the Lionheart contain emblems that have a special connection to the Crusades. The first seal contains two crescent moons, each surmounted by a star-shaped object. The crescent moon referred to King Richard’s vocation as a crusader. It was the ancient symbol...

Heraldry and The Crusades, part 4. Richard the ...

June 27, 2017

Islington, a borough of North London, recalls in its Coat of Arms its ancient association with the crusaders through the Knights of St. John, who once held the manor of Highbury, the gold cross potent on a red field in the first quarter of the borough shield being taken from...

Heraldry and The Crusades, part 4. Richard the ...

June 27, 2017

Islington, a borough of North London, recalls in its Coat of Arms its ancient association with the crusaders through the Knights of St. John, who once held the manor of Highbury, the gold cross potent on a red field in the first quarter of the borough shield being taken from...

Heraldry and The Crusades, part 3. The Arms of ...

June 20, 2017

QUEENS COLLEGE ARMS No Coat of Arms from the time of the Crusades are more reverently regarded than those of the crusader’s Kingdom of Jerusalem, which consists of five crosses. The central one is a large cross ‘potent”, or crutch shaped, and it is surrounded by four small plain crosses,...

Heraldry and The Crusades, part 3. The Arms of ...

June 20, 2017

QUEENS COLLEGE ARMS No Coat of Arms from the time of the Crusades are more reverently regarded than those of the crusader’s Kingdom of Jerusalem, which consists of five crosses. The central one is a large cross ‘potent”, or crutch shaped, and it is surrounded by four small plain crosses,...

Heraldry and The Crusades part 2

June 13, 2017

The Order of the Garter was founded by King Edward III, under the patronage of St. George. At the time it was written that he ‘appoynted his Souldiers to wear white coats or jackets, with a red crosse before and behinde over their armour, …” and “it was not only...

Heraldry and The Crusades part 2

June 13, 2017

The Order of the Garter was founded by King Edward III, under the patronage of St. George. At the time it was written that he ‘appoynted his Souldiers to wear white coats or jackets, with a red crosse before and behinde over their armour, …” and “it was not only...

Heraldry and The Crusades part 1

June 6, 2017

THE SIEGE OF ANTIOCH, 1ST CRUSADE “ Then might you have seen many a banner and pennon of various forms floating in the breeze ……. Helmets with crests, brilliant with jewels, and shining mails, and shields, emblazoned with lions, or flying dragons in gold.”-- Geoffrey de Vinsauf, Itinerary of Richard...

Heraldry and The Crusades part 1

June 6, 2017

THE SIEGE OF ANTIOCH, 1ST CRUSADE “ Then might you have seen many a banner and pennon of various forms floating in the breeze ……. Helmets with crests, brilliant with jewels, and shining mails, and shields, emblazoned with lions, or flying dragons in gold.”-- Geoffrey de Vinsauf, Itinerary of Richard...

Castle spotlight, Tsarevets Fortress, Bulgaria

May 31, 2017

From the late 12th century until the end of the 14th century the Second Bulgarian Kingdom was the largest and the most powerful state in Southeastern Europe. Tsarevets Fortress is on a hill bearing the same name in Veliko Tarnovo. The castle was the primary fortress of the Second Bulgarian...

Castle spotlight, Tsarevets Fortress, Bulgaria

May 31, 2017

From the late 12th century until the end of the 14th century the Second Bulgarian Kingdom was the largest and the most powerful state in Southeastern Europe. Tsarevets Fortress is on a hill bearing the same name in Veliko Tarnovo. The castle was the primary fortress of the Second Bulgarian...