Flags had been used to identify a knight in battle or in a tournament. The only problem? Flags can be easily damaged or stolen during battle! Thus, heraldry was born…

When knights began wearing armour, it became necessary for them to have another way to distinguish themselves. Painting their shields or having a special crest on their helmets could identify them during battle. It became important, however, for there to be an easy way for the herald, who had the task of announcing each combatant, to be able to recognize the many different coat-of-arms, so some form of system needed to be put into place.

King Andrew of Aragon (from 2010) bestows the title of 'knight' on Sir Kevin during the grand Order of the Knighthood Ceremony…

Literacy was not common in the Middle Ages so symbols were very important. Pictures 'tell' a story and each coat-of-arms was unique to the individual.  A coat-of-arms could be modified to indicate marriage between families; the pictures can tell the story. Two sons may share a similar coat-of-arms with a slightly different icon.

Design your own coat-of-arms, by clicking Design your Coat of Arms. Yes, you CAN print these out!