Heraldry in the 17th and 18th Centuries part 1
The language of Heraldry had become an anachronism by the 17th century; to speak of shields, helmets and crests when none of these things were actually worn or used anymore is simply the continuation of a way of speaking and writing which is inseparable from the use of Heraldic terms. But it is important to remember that the uses of Heraldry described in the previous few posts are mainly responsible for keeping the art and science of Coats of Arms alive. Heraldry had ceased to fulfill its original function and had become either ornamental or snobbish, the sign of gentility. The idea that the proper definition of a gentleman is “ one who has received a grant of arms ‘...