Coat of Arms Shield
The term of the coat of arms should only really be applied to the ‘coat of arms shield’, however the term now means all the components that make it up namely:
- The shield
- Crest
- Supporters
I will go into each element of the coat of arms within this series of reports. Within the first report we will cover the coat of arms shield.
The shield is the essential element of the coat of arms and together with the banner is the main symbol that people associate with medievel times.
In the 11th & beginning of the 12th Century, the ‘coat of arms shield’ were long, narror and kite shaped and covered most of the body, They had rounded tops and were made of wood and provided protection to most of the body. These were used at Hastings and during the first crusade.
During the 12th century the tops of the coat of arms shield became flatter and the decoration displayed were much more personal.
In the 13th Century, the shields became shorted and were similar to the shape of a base of an iron, called a heater shield. This style remained throughout most of the 14th Century. These however started to be phased out as a direct result of cross bows and arrows being developed. Plate armour then began to become introduced as a means of protection.
In the 15th Century, the coat of arms shields had been virtually abandoned by mounted knights and were retained for heraldic purposes – notably at tournaments.
In the 16th Century, the coat of arms shields were used predominently for heraldic display and its use as a protection armour was virtually abondoned.
From the 17th Century, the coat of arms shield began to become very ornate. This disply of colour could have never been used on the battlefield.
The design of the shields continued into the 18th century & 19th century and had adopted the ‘spade’ shape. These are the designs that remain to this day.
Using Genealogy Sites To Create A Family Tree
Using Genealogy Sites To Create A Family Tree
There are so m any sites out there that promise the best there is in searching genealogy to create your own family tree. The only way to find the best is by sorting through the sites to find out about just who our ancestors were and where they lived. Tracing a family tree use to take physical research, today families can use genealogy sites to help focus their searches.
Where To Find Genealogy Sites
Genealogy sites are located by putting in a simple request on the search engine used on the internet. There are plenty of genealogy sites to choose from, and it may take some time to sort through which sites contain what type of information.
Genealogy sites also will contain valuable information on how to set up a family tree. They can provide the consumer with hints on how to get started and what type of documentation is needed to add to the family tree. Many sites will also offer consumers links to other genealogy sites that can assist them in further research.
Many genealogy sites will give a consumer some information for free. Some of this information may include census information, death certificates or even birth certificates. Often though, this information may be limited in the scope that it covers. This means that a consumer may need to join the site for a fee, in order to continue their research into their family tree. Sites all have a variety of fees that they charge. Some of these fees are a one time payment, or can be a monthly fee that the consumer pays to use the web site to do their research.
It can be important to compare benefits of each genealogy sites, and if this particular site contains information that will continue to be useful during the research of a family tree. Some sites will only offer specific records that can be viewed. These may include a specific time period in history and may not be valuable to a consumer.
These genealogy sites often help consumers learn to navigate the ropes of a family tree research project. By pointing out other sites, and adding to the resources that can be used, genealogy sites can really help in keeping the ancestor trail going.
Using genealogy sites to create an accurate family tree can be a great way to get important documents that will help fill in the tree. Make sure to be aware of what each genealogy site has to offer and take some time to evaluate if this is the right site for you.
The one site that I have found to be one of the best there is in offering help and guidance along the way is that of ‘One Great Family’. It is well worth checking them out and see what they offer and to see whether it fits in with what you want. They have some really neat displays that you can use to trace your family tree and record what you have found
FREE Coat of Arms | Family Crest Book for you…
I will shortly be posting a FREE book all about the meanings of each coat of arms, family crests. This is a complete publication that I have got my hands on that should retail out for the equivalent of $79 – But you won’t be parting with any cash!
Bookmark this site now and come back very soon – you definately will not be dissapointed with this excellent professional publication all about Coats of Arms & Family Crests
Angie
Coat of Arms Meaning
The Art And Order Of Putting Symbols On Shields – the actual 
