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Dark background with a hand writing on parchment using a quill pen.

Heraldic Times

  • Step back in time with our blog about Heraldry and the Middle Ages. Explore a world of chivalry where tradition and culture intertwines with war and conquest.

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

The Medieval Church part 1

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 gave additional gifts—land, crops, and livestock—hoping for blessings, special favors, or an easier path to heaven. These constant donations strengthened the Church’s wealth and influence. Unlike the rigid class divisions...

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Heraldic Times

Castle Spotlight, Himeji Castle, Japan

Castle Spotlight, Himeji Castle, Japan

Himeji Castle, also called Shirasagijo (White Heron Castle) due to its white outer walls, is one of the best-preserved castle in Japan. It is located in Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture and comprises 82 wooden buildings. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires...

Castle Spotlight, Himeji Castle, Japan

Himeji Castle, also called Shirasagijo (White Heron Castle) due to its white outer walls, is one of the best-preserved castle in Japan. It is located in Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture and comprises 82 wooden buildings. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires...

Castle Spotlight, Himeji Castle, Japan

Castle Spotlight, Himeji Castle, Japan

Himeji Castle, also called Shirasagijo (White Heron Castle) due to its white outer walls, is one of the best-preserved castle in Japan. It is located in Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture and comprises 82 wooden buildings. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires...

Castle Spotlight, Himeji Castle, Japan

Himeji Castle, also called Shirasagijo (White Heron Castle) due to its white outer walls, is one of the best-preserved castle in Japan. It is located in Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture and comprises 82 wooden buildings. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires...

Castle spotlight, Hohensalzburg Castle, Austria

Castle spotlight, Hohensalzburg Castle, Austria

Hohensalzburg Castle, known as Festung Hohensalzburg in German, is situated on a hill overlooking the Austrian city of Salzburg, located in the west of the country. At more than 300,000 square feet in size Hohensalzburg Castle lays claim to being one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Original construction...

Castle spotlight, Hohensalzburg Castle, Austria

Hohensalzburg Castle, known as Festung Hohensalzburg in German, is situated on a hill overlooking the Austrian city of Salzburg, located in the west of the country. At more than 300,000 square feet in size Hohensalzburg Castle lays claim to being one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Original construction...

Castle spotlight, Chateau de Gruyères, Switzerland

Castle spotlight, Chateau de Gruyères, Switzerland

Gruyères is 810 m above sea level, 4.5 km south-south-east of the district capital Bulle. The historical town is placed on top of an isolated hill north of the alps, in the foothills of mount Molèson . It is also the location where the Saane river (French name: Sarine) leaves...

Castle spotlight, Chateau de Gruyères, Switzerland

Gruyères is 810 m above sea level, 4.5 km south-south-east of the district capital Bulle. The historical town is placed on top of an isolated hill north of the alps, in the foothills of mount Molèson . It is also the location where the Saane river (French name: Sarine) leaves...

Castle spotlight, Olavinlinna Castle, Finland

Castle spotlight, Olavinlinna Castle, Finland

Olavinlinna (The Castle of St. Olaf) was founded in 1475. It originally had five towers, but only three of them remain today. The castle stands on a small rocky island in lake Saimaa, the largest lake in Finland.In the beginning of the 14th century a peace treaty was signed between...

Castle spotlight, Olavinlinna Castle, Finland

Olavinlinna (The Castle of St. Olaf) was founded in 1475. It originally had five towers, but only three of them remain today. The castle stands on a small rocky island in lake Saimaa, the largest lake in Finland.In the beginning of the 14th century a peace treaty was signed between...

Castle spotlight, Château de Castelnaud, Dordogne France

Castle spotlight, Château de Castelnaud, Dordog...

On the southern side of the Dordogne River, between Domme and Beynac, Castelnaud is a magnificent castle, with splendid views across miles of rolling countryside. It is is built on a rocky outcrop and offers a splendid panorama on the Dordogne valley. The Château de Castelnaud is a medieval fortress...

Castle spotlight, Château de Castelnaud, Dordog...

On the southern side of the Dordogne River, between Domme and Beynac, Castelnaud is a magnificent castle, with splendid views across miles of rolling countryside. It is is built on a rocky outcrop and offers a splendid panorama on the Dordogne valley. The Château de Castelnaud is a medieval fortress...

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