Genealogy Chat

Quite correct Andysmum. My mistake. Heraldry and Shields are fascinating. The symbols all mean something to the family history.

I found a long treatise on clam shell symbols which thought that pairs of holes in the shells indicated eyes. My own take on this is that these are holes made to bind the shell to a pilgrims staff as per the Pilgims of Santiago. Someone in the family had probably made the pilgimage.

Scottish Tartans are mostly a Victorian, or later, invention. I love the story of an American woman who asked to see her family tartan in Edinburgh, and when it was displayed asked..."Do you have it in another colour"? :-)

Malcolm, I think he's Lord Lyon, (not lion).

I have a very nice photo of a coat of arms, given to me long ago by my aunt, supposedly belonging to our family. At the time I thought this was unlikely, but didn't like to tell her. After I started family history, I found that particular branch came from good Irish labouring stock, with great grandfather moving to England to escape the law!!

Irish aristocracy? I think not!!

The process of identifying a family or Clan is known as Heraldry and has quite strict rules and a languageof its own - based on Latin and Greek. I gave myself a sore head learning about Catalan Heraldry last year. (Talk about "get a Life"..LOL)

In Scotland the official keeper of crests and clan symbols is the "Lord Lion", a mostly honorary position and very ancient. Scottish clan crests are held at the National Records Office, by Register House, Edinburgh. You can view and order them, Ten Pounds at last look, there.

If you treat it as a bit of fun that's fine. I have met someone who took it very seriously, though and were rather put out when they found their 'crest' was worthless.....!

Thanks Inspector

We will not be purchasing any coats of arms or crests. I agree it is a "rip off".
Phyll

There is a widespread misconception, due in part to Victorian stationers' marketing of engraved letterheads, that a crest and a coat of arms belong to everyone with the same family name. In fact it did not belong to a family at all but to an individual.

A 'family crest' is a made up term, made up to fool people who are ignorant of the fact that family's do not own coats of arms and that a crest is only a top part of Arms. Bogus "family crests" continue to be sold to the gullible by heraldic "bucket shops".so buyer beware, if you are planning on parting with any money.

Thanks PollyPoppet, Will have a look at those suggested.
Phyll

you could try here www.allfamilycrests.com/

or google for print family crest free there are a few to choose from

PP :-D

Please, does anyone know of a site where I can print family crests for free.
Thank you
Phyll