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When you visit Knebworth House your will see many beautiful and interesting things including the fierce-looking heraldic beasts outside the House and coats of arms sculptured into the walls. Inside you will note the patterns and pictures in bright colours on the stained glass windows. In the State Drawing Room, Henry VII with the arms of Tudor and Beaufort are depicted on the long window at the end of the room. Look at the armorial quarterings on the ceiling and see how many there are. Nowadays, heraldry is a record of family history. It developed over hundreds of years from the devices painted on shields, so knights could be identified when they went into battle. These "devices" were first used in war and jousting tournaments in the 12th Century. The earliest arms were plain and bold. Bright colours were used so that they could be seen clearly from a distance on the battlefield. In time they became more elaborate. Knights started putting pictures of powerful animals and birds on their shields to show their importance. Some chose to illustrate their names and show pride in their family.
Knights wore helmets that covered their faces completely. They had only narrow slits on the visor that covered their eyes to see through. This meant that vision was limited. It was a matter of life and death that they could still be recognised by their friends and followers and not mistaken for enemies. So began the distinctive markings on shields and pennons. Each knight chose a device that was unique and always used the same one. In the 14th Century, knights began to wear sleeveless tunics called surcoats over their armour and put their arms on them as well. The surcoats became known as COATS OF ARMS. Knights have not gone into battle on horseback for a long time but sometimes people dress up as knights and joust at tournaments for entertainment. This sort of tournament is often held at Knebworth Park. (See Jousting in the Knebworth Photo Gallery) Arms are still granted today to people who have not inherited any and who can satisfy certain rules. Councils of counties and towns are also granted arms, as are colleges and schools. Your school probably has a coat of arms and you might have it on the school badge. Arms are used on seals, documents, flags and buildings. Keep your eyes open and see how many you can find in your town or village.
Designing Your Own Coat of Arms - CLICK HERE
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House, Gardens and Park
The Estate Office, Knebworth House, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG3 6PY Tel: +44 (0)1438 812661 Fax: +44 (0) 1438 811908 Email: info@knebworthhouse.com |
Conference & Banqueting
Knebworth Conference & Banqueting Centre, Knebworth Park, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG3 6PY Tel: +44 (0) 1438 813825 Fax: +44 (0) 1438 813003 Email: sales@knebworthhouse.com |
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