The history of arms

The date and method of the origin of coats of arms, often called family crests, it was a matter of speculation. There is no evidence of arms being present at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, nor were crests apparent by the beginning of the twelfth century. However, in the 13th century, coats of arms were used throughout Europe and throughout''the science of heraldry - its rules and terms - had been established. During this time of the Crusades undoubtedly helped to spread the use of arms.

Various suggestions were made about the origin of coats of arms, for example, shields, banners, tabards and possibly the use of seals. Probably once a project had been changed, was the subject of many personal items at the same time. To qualify as an emblem, a project must be represented on a shield, but the name coat 'of arms' comes from the chest of linen, which was worn over the armor, on which the project was shown.

It 'been in battle that the need for arms arose. In times of war was the nobility, the landowners, who have been called to leadership, and each landowner would have controlled his small group of illiterate men in battle. With the armature closed helmet in battle would be difficult to identify the man inside, then the coat of arms badge or coat of arms depicted on a shield and embroidered vest became essential, the latter giving rise the word 'coat of arms'.

Armorial devices were the prerogative of the upper class. In the early days, even the earth could not pass from person to person without the permission of the king and the king was also involved in the granting of armorial bearings. However, soon other families in what we call the bourgeoisie began showing their coats over their weapons, even if 'messengers' and other government officials have tried in vain to keep the use of arms restricted to a privileged few. Today many homes display the family crest shields, the shields are smaller than those used to hang in baronial halls - but so are modern houses!