History Biography Geography Science Games

Middle Ages

A Knight's Coat of Arms

How did having a coat of arms get started? The first coat of arms was used to distinguish one knight from another. When a knight had on his full armor, including plate mail and helmet, even his friends couldn't recognize him. Because of this, knights began to paint symbols on their shields. They eventually began to put the symbol on their banner and the coat they wore over their armor. This is how it got the name "coat of arms".

Royal Arms of England by Sodacan of Wikimedia Commons

• Escutcheon - The escutcheon is the main shape of the coat of arms. It was in the shape of a shield, but the exact shape could vary (see picture below).
• Field - The field was the background color. At first the field was a solid color, but later patterns began to be used for the field.
• Charge - The charge is the main picture in the center of the coat of arms. It was usually an animal, but could be other things such as a sword or a ship.
• Ordinaries - Ordinaries were designs that appeared on the field. They added additional color and uniqueness to the coat of arms.

         
Different shapes used for the escutcheon or shield

• Old French was used to describe the colors of the background. For example, gules (red), azure (blue), sable (black), and vert (green).
• The coat of arms of English King Richard I has a red background and three lions. It is often referred to as the "arms of England".
• The designs of backgrounds have names such as bendy (diagonal stripes) and lozenge (a diamond checked pattern).
• An "achievement" in heraldry includes the shield plus other elements such as a motto, crest, supporters, helm, and coronet.
• English heraldry has seven colors (tinctures) including two metals (gold, silver) and five colors (blue, red, purple, black, green).

• Take a ten question quiz about this page.


• Listen to a recorded reading of this page:

Search Ducksters

US History Native Americans Colonial America American Revolution Industrial Revolution American Civil War Westward Expansion The Great Depression Civil Rights Movement Pre-1900s 1900 to Present US Government US State History Homework Animals Math History Biography Money and Finance Biography Artists Civil Rights Leaders Entrepreneurs Explorers Inventors and Scientists Women Leaders World Leaders US Presidents Games Math Games Puzzle Games Word Games Geography Games Classic Games Sports Games Arcade Games Typing Games World History Ancient Africa Ancient China Ancient Egypt Ancient Greece Ancient Mesopotamia Ancient Rome Middle Ages Islamic Empire Renaissance Aztec, Maya, Inca French Revolution World War 1 World War 2 Cold War Art History Science Biology Chemistry Earth Science Physics Geography United States Africa Asia Central America Europe Middle East North America Oceania South America Southeast Asia Fun Stuff Arts and Crafts Holidays Jokes for Kids Movies Music Sports

About Ducksters Privacy Policy 

 

This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.