| 1.1 Origins and characteristics
CHARACTERISTICS OF COAT-OF-ARMS
ARMS ARE DISPLAYED ON A SHIELD |
The shield can be of various shapes and it can be surrounded
by many other components, but it is the essential part of armorial bearings.
Broken shield variety |
ARMS ARE RECORDED AND REGULATED
Recording and regulating arms was the responsibilty of
the heralds (hence "heraldry") who originated as roving minstrels. Heralds
announced knights and their bearings in tournaments.
A minstrel |
A herald (on right) |
Knights in tournament |
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The College of Arms in England and the Lord Lyon King
of Arms in Scotland are responsible for all heraldic affairs in these realms
and they issue Grants of Arms on behalf of the Sovereign.
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