HERALDRY RAMBLINGS

    Many of you have been asking whether AG is going to come out with any new titles. The answer, simply, is no. When the recession is firmly in the distance, our position will be revisited.

    Those of you who are sending us completed coats of arms showing us your talents in using AG art, are encouraged to continue to do so.

    Those requesting assistance for shield partitions please tell us the shield/mantle number and the file format you wish to receive. It will help speed things up.  

CALTRAP

(Symbolism Revision)

French heralds called it Chausse-trap. It is an abbreviated form of Cheval-trap: an instrument thrown upon the ground to injure feet of horses or troops. Caltraps also served to slow down the advance of foot soldiers, horses, war elephants and camels. They were said to be particularly effective against the soft feet of camels.

One who demonstrates ingenuity and resourcefulness when faced with a stronger foe.

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ALL ABOUT PURPURE

The language of heraldry is generally derived from the French; this word, however, retains its original Greek aspect, and the colour purple, and the name, have evidently been handed down to us from the throne of the Caesars. There is, we believe, some uncertainty as to what was the exact shade of the imperial purple, and it is very possible that Heraldry may throw some light on this question. The colour purple, as appearing in coat-armour, is the compound tint of blue and red, in which the red is just sufficiently predominant to give it warmth, and we may, with every probability, connect this colour with antiquity, when we consider, that the Popes, on their obtaining the supremacy at Rome, adopted the imperial colour, and from their example it was used by noble ecclesiastics in their armorial bearings; this colour, indeed, has generally, both in modern and ancient heraldry, originated with the clergy: nevertheless, in the arms of the kings of Leon, and of the noble family of Lacey, earls of Lincoln, there appears a " Lion purpure." This colour is also introduced in the coat of the ancient family of Burton of Longnor, near Shrewsbury. The learned Dr. Burton, Regius professor of Divinity at Oxford, is descended immediately from this house. Purpure is delineated in engravings by lines falling diagonally from the left-hand side of the shield to the base.

MIDNIGHT BY TORCHLIGHT

During the reigns of the early Kings, many gorgeous Justs or Tournaments occurred ; but they were more frequently celebrated, and with greater pomp, in the chivalrous times of Edward III.

One, peculiarly imposing, is recorded to have been held in 1343, which lasted fifteen days, and another in 1390, temp. Richard II. in which the King himself took a conspicuous part. In the reigns of the succeeding monarchs, tournaments continued to be held with like pomp, and were celebrated until later centuries in Smithfield.

The most gorgeous probably on record, is that of the Field of the Cloth of Gold, held in the valley between Guisnes and Ardres by the Kings of England and France, Henry VIII. and Francis I.

Another tournament, remarkable for having taken place at midnight by torchlight, was held by Queen Elizabeth, within her Majesty's palace of Westminster. In this Just, the Earl of Essex, with twelve Knights gorgeously attired—the Earl and his war-horse in white cloth of silver, his attendant- in white satin, was opposed to the Earl of Rutland with a like suite, apparelled in blue.

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CELTIC ART BONUS

There are about 100 Images in this collection. You may have the odd image already but it's a nice collection to have. Simply click on the ad to the right and you can download the Zip file.

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Cross Fitchee-Did You Know

is a combination of a cross and a sword; symbolizing unshakeable faith. Any of the Crosses can be so combined and blazoned  "Fitchee".

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