Heraldry
and
Coats of Arms
Sonoran Desert Homeschoolers'
Medieval Center
Clipart courtesy of
Melissa Snell from About.com's Medieval History
Primarily a system, within heraldry, of identifying knights. A coat-of-arms includes not only a shield but the décor (motto, crown, crest, etc.) surrounding it. Interestingly enough coats-of-arms are not granted to surnames but to individuals. In order to claim an existing coat-of-arm for yourself you must be granted it or be a direct descendant.
Play Owl & Mouse Educational Software's online Heraldry Game
"The heraldry game is set in the year 1273, a time when things were, well, pretty medieval. You will play the part of 14 year old Robert, second son of Lord Landley. You will use the knowledge of heraldry and blazonry taught to you at great pains (mostly yours) by your father’s herald to identify other characters and know them for friend or foe. Your fate will lie in your ability to correctly identify them as the story unfolds; if you fail the consequences may be dire as these are harsh and brutal times."
History/Definitions/Explanations
A much more thorough history and definition of heraldry and armory
Diagram of the parts making up a coat-of-arms
Information about animals blazoned on a coat-of-arms
Note: LOTS of pop-up ads at this site
Basic Heraldry from Rootsweb
These two sites present many examples (using the heraldry jargon) of the designs that make up a coat-of-arms. Great for those interested in making their own.
Stuff You Can Use to Create Your Own
Meanings of symbols used in heraldry
Great examples of shield designs
Great examples of ways to divide a shield to create an arm
Free Shield Templates
Free Shield Templates
Free heraldry clipart
Program online to design a simple arm
(it helps to understand the jargon first)
Coats of Arms courtesy of
James P. Wolf's Free Coats of Arms
Blazons courtesy of
Make a Coat of Arms with Owl & Mouse Educational Software's Shields, Knights and Heraldry
"Shields, Knights and Heraldry is free software for kids to make their own shields (coats of arms). The associated page on making an authentic medieval shield discusses the origins and functions of coats of arms, and their relationship to the culture of the Middle Ages. The software includes dozens of traditional medieval designs to use on shields and the rules of heraldry and emblazonry. Fun, educational hands-on learning."
Note: This program might not run correctly with Windows XP
