THE ANTIENT USAGE In Bearing of ARMS.
THat these Ensignes of Honour, as are commonly called Armes, which of later times have been chiefly used for distinction of families, had their original from the practise of great Commanders in War, is not unknown to the learned: for certain it is, that the faces of all great military Officers, being obscured by such Hoods and Helmets as were antiently worn in times of Battel; it was expedient, that by some other meanes their persons should be notifyed to their friends and followers. Necessity therefore requiring it, they, depicted upon their Sheilds (which were borne for the defence of their Bodies) as also upon their Surcotes of silke, Banners, Penons &c. certain Badges, that might make them known at a distance from each other. Of which sort those that were most conspicuous; viz Crosses, Bends, Fesses, Cheverons, Saltiers &c. all single chardges being ever held the best.
[Page 2] In bearing whereof (as appeareth by divers old Rolls of Armes) such order was observed that none might assume anothers marke; but that there should be a plain and apparent difference in each man's Sheild, Surcote, Banner, Penon, &c. to the end, that upon any disorder the common Souldier might know his leader, and the better repair to his succour in case of danger.
But these later times having devised other sorts of Armour and weapons, both for offence and defence then of old were used; those marks and Badges in Sheilds, Surcotes &c. have been for divers past ages, as to any such military purpose, totally layed aside; and since meerly retained as honourary Ensignes by the Nobility and Gentry; especially to difference themselves and their families from the vulgar, and one from another: as also to distinguish the collateralls from those of the principal stock; for if they do not so, what do they signify; or of what use are they? In all which the Kings of Armes, in their respective provinces were to see due order observed.
Nevertheless such hath been the inadvertencie of sundry Gentlemen, in not regarding the ill consequence which the breach of order herein doth produce; as that, going to common Paynters to depict and marshall their Arms, seldom any regular Differences have been assigned by them for the descendents of younger Brothers! [Page 3] Which extravagant practise hath occasion'd such confusion therein; that this laudable and antient usage in bearing of Arms, on which our forefathers did set an high esteem, is now overmuch sleighted and almost grown contemptible.
It cannot be denyed, but that in the best times good order was not by every one exactly observed: for I find, that in the reign of Q. Elizabeth there were some unjustifiable practises in this kind: But, in this last age, through the liberty taken by divers mechanicks since the commencement of the late unparallel'd Rebellion, the disorder herein is so far spread, as if greater care be not speedily taken, such a confusion must inevitably follow, that the true use of Arms will be utterly forgot; most people, though of never so mean extraction; if they obtain a little wealth, intruding themselves into these Marks of Honour, and usurping what doth justly belong to others, especially if their name doth sound any thing like that of a Gentleman.
Seeing therefore these things relating to Honour to be thus out of square, I have here thought fit to add to what I have already briefly sayd, the Authorities and opinions of the most learned men in Herauldry and Antiquities that this last age hath produced: from whose writings I have selected some particulars, which will amply corroborate what is here asserted.
Beginning with what was publisht in print by [Page 4] Mr. William Wyrley (a Staffordshire Gentleman) an. 1592 (34 Eliz:) and intituled The true use of Armes, but written by Sampson Erdswike then of Sandon, in that county Esq (whose deserved fame for his great knowledg in these commendable Studies is still fresh and flourishing in all those parts.) *
Next proceeding with what I have observed from an excellent but short discourse in elegant Latin De Origine et Antiquitate Armorum, written likewise in the same Q. Eliz. time (but never printed) by Robert Glover Esq then Somerset-Herauld, whose great abilities in this kind of learning I cannot sufficiently extoll; his most elaborate and judicious work, intituled The Catalogue of Honour, published after his death by [Page 5] Mr. Thomas Mills his Executor in an. 1610 and the voluminous Collections from our publick Records, and sundry choice old Manuscripts, as also from original Charters and Evidences of note (which I my self have seen, but which are now disperst into sundry hands) sufficiently setting forth his great abilities therein.
From which discourse; viz. De Origine et Antiquitate Armorum &c. I have selected certain observations, and added them to this work; whereby his great judgment as to this point of Differences in Arms is cleerly shewed.
So likewise from what the learned Camden, Sir Henry Spelman and others have expressed upon this subject; and given most evident instances of the laudable practise of antient times herein.
I shall begin with what I find so publisht by Mr. Wyrley (but penn'd by Mr. Erdswike)
To the Right Honourable the LORDS and others the Professors of Martial Discipline.
NObles and Gentlemen, I will salute you with a sentence of mine Author Sir John Froysard, The adventures of Arms (saith he) are so divers, and so far oftentimes beyond expectation, as that their effects causeth great admiration: which saying of his, caused me with the more attention to read over his works, and finding the same most truly prosecuted through the whole course of his History, but espacially in the actions and adventures of two famous Captains Sage and Imaginative, the one Sir John Chandos, and the other Sir † John Grayllie by name (commonly called the Captall de Buz) it delighted me (as a lover of Honour and chevalry) to note * down their several fortunes with some reasons of their falls.
I have been careful to set down (as my manner [Page 7] is) the Standards, Pennons, Cote-armours; and other marks of Honour, to the end it may publickly be known of what necessity the use of them is, (as being for that cause first ordained:) how and in what manner they are to be used, and to whom they do of right most chiefly and properly appertain and belong. And these matters being well conceived (as indeed without such Tokens no martial discipline can be exercised, no Army ranged, no attempt of any company atchieved; and so (by cnnsequence) no conquest made, nor so much as any Common-wealth (whatsoever) defended, neither ftom outward enemies, civil discord, nor the rebellion of any plebeian rout.
Be the same never so simple, rude, or of small esteem it will (I hope) reduce into estimation a matter both of Honour, order, and Necessity, which now (through the abuse thereof) is so far run into contempt, as that (of many men) it is holden for a thing of no price, but thought to be a very mockery, and a matter of no other sequence, then to set up vain and fantastical glorious fellows into a pride, and to draw from them some small summes to certain persons into an office instituted, which no doubt was by the wisest and best governed states at the first devised, and generally by all of any pollicy received, to a most necessary end: yet think they (as it is now in use) it serveth but only for that purpose. And [Page 8] indeed I must by the way complain, that certain of the said officers (or others pertaining to them) either for want of skill or maintenance, or otherwise for their gain, have committed faults not justifiable, whereby they have brought a matter of great Honour into defame, and injured thereby the Commonwealth, and brought both others that have managed those affairs with more discretion, and themselves into obloquy.
But these faults and errors, and some others also (spoken of in this dedication instituted to that purpose) will in the handling of this matter more easily appear; and the thing be (I hope) reformed, either by the good endeavors which the officers (understanding thereof) will use, or else by the magistrate, when he shall have knowledg of such the abuses as he may be informed of.
And first that Guydhomes, Ensignes, and marks of Armory be of necessity, let it be but considered whether wars be sometimes of necessity to be taken in hand or not; and surely I think there is none of so very mean capacity, but will yeild unto it that they be: especially defensive, and in some cases also offensive: which as a thing granted I will overpass.
And when I say further, that wars being lawful and of necessity, it must also be granted, that the same must be made by companies and bands of men, over which some must command, and [Page 9] the rest obey, and then will it follow, that for the ordering and dividing of those to the best advantage, Standards and Banners must be allotted to every company, to the end they may draw together in their strength, and perform such actions as they shall be commanded; thus may you see the necessity.
And for the use, it doth also appear, that sithence some must be commanders, it is of importance that they be known, both by the persons over whom they command, and generally by all; and that so perspicuously that upon every sudden occurrent, the meanest and simplest common souldier may thereby know every particular officer, and captain that hath charge: for which purpose our Ancestors device was, that such men should wear some such coat of mark over his Armor, as whereby they might be easily discerned, to be the same persons which indeed they were: and where somtimes (when occasion so offered itself) they were forced to use Pavishes for their defence, whereby a great part of the mark which was upon their vesture, was shadowed from sight, it was thought necessary that their marks should be also laid upon their shields: the commanders of Horse-men (their faces being for the most part covered) they added to the crests of their Helmets some further distinction to be the better also known by: Thus much for the ordinance and use of Armory.
[Page 10] And hereby also may it appear to whom they do properly belong and appertain, namely, to Kings, Princes, Archbishops, Bishops, Earls, Barons, Lords of provinces and fees; Knights; officers in the Army, Navy or peece, and generally to all that have charge over Bands and companies of souldiers.
And now sithence from henceforth many of my speeches will tend to the discovery of such things as I take to be abused, erronious, or faulty, wherein I may peradventure not square in opinion with some others; and being myself no officer or of any authority, whereby I should have cause to deal in these affairs, I will therefore first beseech your Honours, and all others to whom it may appertain, that if any thing shall pass my pen which shall be offensive, that they will conceive no worse of it then I mean, which is but to bring these matters of Armory into question; to the end that if any thing be amiss (as I for my part think that many things are) that then the same may be reformed: but if happily I mistake, that then it would please such as be of judgment or skill, to justifie the same as well done, and I shall most willingly yield to authority and reasons.
And so not speaking but under correction, I say that, first I find (as I conceive) some blame to be imputed in your selves which be professed souldiers, that where your ancestors and all others generally did in their Standards, Banners, and [Page 11] Pennons shew forth to the view and face of the enemy, certain fair, antient, and known marks, which their elders for the most part had usually before time carried, or at least themselves had then taken (if they but then were in their rising age) whereby their own people were in a goodly decent order conducted and led, and their enemies very much terrified, when they should see those marks shewed forth; the owners whereof had in their memories by plain feat of Arms overthrown their parents, or happely themselves, beaten them out of the field, razed down their castels and fortresses, sacked their towns and cities, wasted and spoiled their countries, ransomed their people, and generally so daunted and amazed them, that it, was sometimes found to be true, that very bare names of some valiant persons overcame whole Armies: I can but blame you of all sorts, which shall make choice of Banners (which you call colors) so curtein-like and so far from all due order of Ancient bearing as may be; and for your parts which are descended from Ancestors of mark, I would be glad to hear any reason from you, to what end you should lay the same aside, and make choice of a curtein in the place thereof.
And you others (whose wisdom and valure have gained you the reputation of a charge) I would gladly also hear from you what should move you to be of that mind, as not to take some [Page 12] convenient mark, such a one as may be thought meet by authority for you, whereby you may gain an honour, both to your selves and your posterity, and by your good usage thereof much enlarge the reputation, you have by your valours obtained.
An other thing that is amiss, as I take it, and hath great need to be reformed, is the quartering of many Marks in one shield, coat, or Banner; for sithence it is true, that such Marks serve to no other use but for a commander to lead by, or to be known by, it is of necessity that the same be apparent, fair, and easie to be discerned; so that the quartering of many of them together, doth hinder the use for which they are provided. As how is it possible for a plain unlearned man (who may be as good a souldier in some respects as the best) to discern and know a sunder, six or eight, (what speak I of six or eight?) sometimes thirty or forty several marks clustered all together in one shield or Banner, nay though he had as good skill as Robert Glover late Somerset that dead is, and the eyes of an Eagle, amongst such a confusion o [...] things, yet should he never be able to decipher the errors that are daily committed in this one point, nor discern or know one Banner or Standard from another, be the same never so large?
So that except it be to be made in a pedigree or descent to lock up in an evidence chest, thereby [Page 13] to shew mens titles to their lands or the Alliences and kindreds of their houses; otherwise (as I say) I see not to any use in the world they serve, specially so many together to be made upon a mans vesture, Target or Banner; and therefore I could wish that every man would content himself with his own peculiar coat of name, and not to use above one quartered therewith at the most: which one yet doth not so much trouble the capacity of a man, but that he may both know and discern a Banner or shield well enough. And this one do I the rather esteem well of to be born, for that a Prince or Noble man making challenge or title to any Country (for which he is forced to make wars before he can obtain it) it will be a goodly thing for him to shew forth his Standard of the Arms of that Country quartered with his own amongst those people which in reason and conscience owe him duty and obedience, to the end that they may thereby be the sooner induced to submit themselves to their true and lawful Soverain, as his subjects.
And for that cause (as I take it) King Edward the third and his valiant sons devised and shewed forth the Arms of France and England quartered together, and although my Authour saith that Jaques * Dartvell, was the first deviser thereof, [Page 14] yet will I not believe otherwise, but that the principal reasons that led the King thereto, was to make known the justness of his title to that kingdom where he then intended to make wars.
But now it may be objected, sithence a Prince or great Lord may have title to several Countries, that therefore it is necessary for him to beare all such tokens or marks as he hath title too: To this I answer, that although I could yeild to them (but that it will bring the eonfusion aforesaid) yet is it of no such necessity, for that a man needs to shew his title but onely to them whom he means to subdue: and if it should fortune that he had title to divers and several countries, and that he would make wars to them all at once, yet should it not be needful to him to shew forth any more marks quartered in one Standard, but onely unto every several Country the Arms of that nation quartered with his own.
But this being the case of Kings and Princes, wherein (amongst others) our most famous, noble and worthy Kings and princes of this land, have shewed themselves most prudent and wise; to what purpose is it, that others bring out commanders under their prince, and which of themselves have neither title to country nor are able to maintain wars, should in their princes service pester their Banners and shields with such an infinite number as many do?
And in this point I cannot enough commend [Page 15] the Baron of Stafford, who herein sheweth his great skill and temperance; for although his Ancestors have had title to quarter the marks of that valiant Thomas of Woodstock (youngest son of King Edward the third) Earl of Buckingham and Duke of Glocester; of Bohune Earl. of Hereford and Northamton and high Cunstable of England: and also of that great house of Somerset, which by their ancestors John Earl of Somerset, (younger son to John of Gaunt) descended from the same king Edward the third, (I omit to speak of divers Barons and others of great estate, whose heires both with revenue and honor enlarged greatly his family) yet the said Baron contents himself with the paternal mark of his house.
It were to be wished that this matter of Quartering should be reformed, as well for untruths therein oftentimes committed, as for the titles that may be brought in question thereby to lands and Heritages: And as being one of the chiefest things that bringeth honour of Armory into disgrace: for not long ago heard I one speak in this manner, Did I not (quoth he) know the grandfather of this man (speaking of the owner of a Scuchion wherein were quartered many marks) to purchase by plain patent (although he never were man at Armes) both his coat and crest within these forty years, and how comes it now to pass that I see his nephew invested in all this Armory? (numbring many and divers several devices, all [Page 16] in one shield, by way of quartering) this being a very mockery to see a man of no valour or estimation in warlike affairs, and the paternal Ancestors of whom (for ought that can be proved) were not in any late age welders of Arms, to entrude themselves into so many Badges of Armory, is not the least matter to bring into contempt an order so honourable and necessary as the bearing of Arms is.
Differences in Arms to younger children, and their Descendents.
Another matter that to my understanding is also to be reformed, is the manner of differings, which are by the younger Brothers and their posterities laid upon their marks, being cressants, mollets, &c. and that such little ones, as that a man cannot discern them a very small distance from him, which differences are in reason to be made fair, plain, and large, that they may be also as easie to be discover'd as any other Devise that is in the Coat, Shield, or Banner, otherwise they serve not to the purpose for which marks were first ordained.
And the inconvenience which ensueth of this error will the more easily appear, if I but set you down the words of mine Author (treating of an accident that happened in such a case) which be these: Et feist Mr. Robert Baileul alter sa Banniere [Page 17] tout devant en escriant Moriannes les Henuiers qui ia estoint esthauses Aperceurent la Banniere de Moriannes qui encore estoit tout Droicte, si cuiderent que ce feust la leur ou ilz se deuoient radresser, car mult petitey auoit de difference de lune a l'autre; car les Armes Moriennes sount Barres contre Barres d' Argent & d' Azure a deux Cheverons de Gueules, Et le cheveron de Mr. Robert auoit vne petite crosete d'or, si ne l'adviserent mye bien les Hennuiers ainsi vindrent bouter de fait dessubs la Banniere de Mr. Robert, si furent moult fierement reboutes et tous discomfis.
For these Honours being led by Sir William Baileul thought in the stir and business to have come to his Banner hearing the surname of Moriens called upon; and seeing as they supposed, their captains ensigne, and the difference of Sir Robert, being the younger Brother, but a little cross upon the upper cheuron, they could not appercieve; so that the most of them were either slain or taken, and the elder Brother (the Knight their leader) was glad to save himself as well as he might: The Lord of Cowcie son in law to King Edward the third, suffered also reproch through the hard dealings of the Lord of Chine, who raised his Banner against certain Englishmen of Sir Hugh Caveleys company, being either the same that Cowcies: was, or the difference so small as might not be discerned, whereby the said Lord Cowcy though he were abs [...]nt as far as Austrich, had dishonour [Page 18] spoken of him, as in the discourse * of the Capital I have touched.
Thus then having shewed, by example, the harm and inconvenience, that cannot but many times happen, through the littleness and niceness of such differences, I have thought it not amiss to lay before you the differings that antiquity used; that by comparing them together, you may discern the great wisdom of our ancestors, and our own imperfections in this point, for want of due consideration: which was done at the first by changing of the device born into other colors only; but when that would not suffice for the number of leaders (many times all of one house) then were they forced to vary their marks by adding of either Bars, Bends, cheurons, cheefes, quarters, Borders, labels, losinges, or such like, and very seldome should you see in those times cressant, mollet, or such like small thing born for a difference; and if any did, yet was the same so large and fair that it might be seen as well as any other device which should be in the Shield or Banner. And for the proof, I will give you the example but of one house onely for your better information (though I could do the like of many others) namely, that of the Bassets, who indeed (in my judgment) varied their marks of honour very finely and that upon good respect:
For Ralph Basset, (the son of Thurstine who came in with the Conquerour) which Ralph (as it is said) devised the Law of Franke pledge, and many other good laws, being Justiciarius Angliae; having four sons, to wit, Thurstine, Thomas, Richard, and Nicholas; the first and last both failing; the issue of the one being extinct, and the other overthrown by standing against King Henry the second with King Steven; The son of Thomas went away with his ancestors mark without distinction (being undie gold and red)
But the sons of Richard Basset being advanced by their mother Mauld, the daughter and heir of Sr. Geffrey Rydell Knight, varied the marks of the said Geffrey in this manner: first, Geffrey Lord of Witering the eldest son of Richard Basset and the said Mauld, (surnaming himself Rydell) the progeny of him bare gold three piles red, with a scarff or Bend of blew over all.
Ralph Basset the eldest son of Richard, (which Richard was the second son of Richard and Mauld Rydell, and to whom his mother gave the Barony of Weldon) bare gold three piles red, a Border of steel studded with gold compassing the same about.
Also Ralph Basset, the son of Ralph, third son of Richard Basset and Mauld, to whom the said Richard gave the Barony of Drayton in Staffordshire, bare gold three piles red, with a quarter of Brittain.
And Roger Basset of Warwickshire varied from Drayton, changing the piles into black.
But Ralph Basset (descended from William Basset Baron of Sapcote in Leicestershire (which William was Justice in Itenere, and youngest son of Richard Basset and Mauld Rydell his wife) having no advancement by the house of Rydell) detained undie the device of the Bassets, and only changed the colors thereof into silver and black:
And Sir Ralph Basset of Chedle Knight (a younger son of Sapcote) varied from that house, by adding to his device of waves, a red Labell, whereunto he was forced by reason the progeny of Thomas Basset had many ways varied the said undie, by changing the color thereof.
As John Basset of North-Luffenham in Rutlandshire bare it, varied into white and red:
And Allen Basset Baron of Wicombe, differed this device of undie into white, and blew; from whom the Sanfords descending, assumed the same mark, and now Browning beareth it as being descended from an heire of Sanford.
The house of Chedle yet after this dividing it self into two branches, John Basset of New place (being the younger house) left the Labell, and charged the black undie with many Besants dispersed all over them.
But after all this (about the time of King Edw. III.) the line of Ralph Basset of Chedle, being extinguished; Simon Basset Baron of Sapcote (descended from the forenamed William) and Sir John Basset of Blore Knight, (heire to the above named John Basset of New place) both of them (I know not the [Page 23] cause why) at one instant (as I think) relinquished their device of undie, and invested themselves into Ridels: that is to say, Simon into the piles charged with a quarter vary white and blew; and Sir John into the same, with a quarter silver, and a black Griffon thereon.
And in Tamwoorth Church (near to Drayton) well and old, there standeth gold three piles red, a quarter silver, and a cross party black thereon.
A multitude more as my authour hath already hinted, (were it not for brevityes sake) might be instanced from the practise of sundry branches of Noble-families, whereof I shall only make mention of some few which are not unknown to most pretenders to Herauldry.
Such are those of Grey of Codnore, and Grey of S [...]ndiacre in Derbyshire; Grey of Barton in Ridale, in com. Ebor. Grey of Wilton in com. Hereford; Grey of Ruthyn in com. Denbigh; Grey of Groby in com Leic. and Grey Vicount L'isle.
Of Beauchamp Earl of Warwick; Beauchamp of Holt; Beauchamp of Powick, and Beauchamp of St. Amand.
[Page 24] Of Nevill Earl of Westmorland, Nevill Earl of Salisbury; Nevill Earl of Warwick; Nevill Lord Latimer; Nevil Lord Abergaveny.
Of Stafford Duke of Buckingham; Stafford of Pipe; Stafford of Bromshull, (both in Staffordshire;) Stafford of Graston in Worcestershire; Stafford of Haske in com. Dorset; and Stafford of Blatherwick in com. Northampton.
Of Berkley Lord Berkley of Berkley-castle in com. Glouc. Berkly of Beverston in the same County; Berkley of Bruton in com. Somerset; and Berkley of Wymundham in com Leic.
Of Cobham Lord Cobham of Cobham in Kent; Cobham of Sterborough in Surrey; Cobham of Black-burgh in com. Devon. and Cobham of Belmerle in com Cantii.
Of Radcliffe Earl of Sussex; Radcliffe of Smethels; Radcliffe of Drdsale, and Radcliffe of Chaderton.
All retaining the original Armes, but distinguisht by various eminent differences.
Likewise of Noell Vicount Campden; Noell of Kirkby in Leicestershire; Noell of Hilcote, and Noell of Pelshall (both in Stafforshire) and others of that Antient family.
Thus have I set down unto you (though something tediously) the use that antiquity followed in a very glorious line, for Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, which flourished divers hundreds of years sithence: And you may see that these men [Page 25] (though they were many of them great Barons) were not ashamed of their Differences, but laid them forth largely to the view; neither do I esteem it a shame whereby any man should covet to hide the same, to be descended as a younger Brother, sithence that every Brother (having the like parents) is as well descended as the eldest, and therefore as good a Gentleman (though not so rich) as he. And the more is his honour, if without the help which by reason of his patrimony the elder hath, he can advance himself into place of office or dignity, whereby he may raise an other flourishing family of the same surname: and therefere you my masters that be younger Brothers, never hide your Differences by putting forth a little cressant or a peeping mollet, but use some fair large device, sithence in truth your estimation is by your rising to be had in as good a regard as if you were the elder.
And now being in speech of younger Brothers and their differences, I have observed two kinds of them which antiquity used, (besides the aforesaid) one was, that such as were advanced by Kings, Princes, or other great Lords, did many times bear some part of the device of him who advanced them, by way of addition unto the mark of their own family, which served very aptly to distinguish them from their elder house.
The other was, that divers did add unto the mark of their own house, some part of the device [Page 26] of that family from which their mothers descended; and both these two kinds of differings are (in my mind) greatly to be commended, not only for that they may be made large and apparent, and for that cause serve very properly to the use for which Badges are ordained, but also that the one makes manifest a greatful mind (in him that is advanced) to his prince or lord of whom he received benefit, and by reason thereof linketh them together in a kind of amity, which seldom or never is worn out, and by that means a great strengthening it is unto both Houses.
The other not only serveth to unite the families which have matched together in the foresaid love and amity, and thereby worketh the like effect; but besides it sheweth the certainty of the descending of the said younger Brother out of both the said Houses, and also giveth knowledg of the time thereof, whereby if any title of inheritance be at any time cast upon the younger Brother, either descending from ancestor of the fathers side, or mothers, it gives him a testimony of his title, and witnesseth unto the world the truth of that descent by the continual bearing of that device, so that this kind may (many times) work profit to the bearer, and avoid many troubles and suits: and therefore into one of these kind of differing [...] could I wish our younger Brothers, which from henceforth shall be advanc'd, to invest themselves, as being both honourable, fair, certain, and profitable.
[Page 27] But now it may be objected, that the order in use sheweth plainly enough the diversity of Brothers, as the cressant a second, the mollet the third, that by this means the matters are made certain. To this I answer, that first the time is not (by this means) signified, neither can it be known which of the Cressant-bearers was the Uncle or Nephew. And further, it is a very usual matter for every new Riser at this day, if he can find that there is any of the like Surname that beareth mark, presently to usurp the same with a Cressant, or some such difference, so that (for my own part) I do seldom credit such kind of differings nor their bearers, unless it be by some other testimony or proof made manifest, which cannot be counterfetted so well in the other device, except the riser should be throughly acquainted with the descent of him whose line he seeketh to intrude himself into.
And besides, it may be the sooner espied by them of the true line and forbidden; nor the other dare (for fear thereof) so soon venture the committing of a falsity. But what a confusion is it when you shall see the second of a second Brother, and sometimes an other second from him, to cluster one Cressant upon an other; many times three or four, one on horseback upon an other; where as by the aforesaid bearing of the difference from the Prince, Lord, or mothers family, a man may better distinguish the Brothers and set down [Page 28] for a second, a third, and fourth, &c.
And after from those again, in a fairer, larger, and more apparent manner: and the more apt am I to speak against these ordinary Differences (as they are called) knowing them to be but new inventions, and any of them as ordinaries (in Fashion as now they are) never used before the time of King Henry the sixt; before which time men were much more wary and discreet in bearing of their marks, and in foreseeing that no intruders should enter into their families; nor that any should lay away or remove their Differings without special warrant or license of them that thereby might be prejudiced: for a Labell being much in use for the heire apparent (to wear as his differeuce during his fathers life) was seldom removed to the second Brother, but when the inheritance went unto the daughters of the elder Brother; and then the second was permitted to bear the same for his Difference, as being the heire male of his family and as one that remained in expectancy; yet might not the second Brother use to intrude himself into the absolute signs of his house (the inheritance being in his neeces or kinswomen) as appeared in the case between Gray of Ruthine and Hastings which was this:
John Lord Hastings married to his first wife Izabell one of the sisters and heires of Almery de Vallence Earl of Penbrooke, by whom he had issue John Hastings, (after Earl of Penbrooke) Elizabeth, [Page 29] (married to Roger Lord Gray of Ruthin) and some other children which needs not to be spoken of; for that, as I take it, all the lines of them fail'd before the extinguishing of the line of the said John Earl of Penbrooke. After (such issue being had) the said Izabel Vallence died, and the said John Lord Hastings took to a second wife Izabel the Daughter of Hugh Spenser, by whom he had issue Hugh Hastings, and Thomas, and then died, and left as heir John his son by his first Wife (who was Earl of Penbrooke, as I have said, erected by reason of his mothers inheritance) which John Earl of Penbrooke married and had issue another Earl of Penbrooke, who also married and had issue a third Earl of Penbrooke; but in the end all the line of the said John Hastings (first Earl of Penbrooke of that family) failing, there arose a question betwixt the Heirs of Roger Gray and Elizabeth his wife being sister (of the whole blood) and the Heirs of Hugh Hastings brother (of the half blood) to the said John Earl of Penbrooke, for the inheritance of the Hastings.
But Gray recovering the same (by the law that saith, Possessio fratris de feodo simplici facit sororem esse haeredem) called the said Hastings also (having removed the difference of his mark for that he was then heir male of that house) into the Court of chevalry, and there having a judgement against him, the said Hastings was compelled [Page 30] to use a Difference (which was a Label of silver) upon his mark, a fair red sleeve of his Ladies upon his golden vesture: since which the heirs of that younger family have used the said Labell even until this our age.
So that you may see by this, that the law was then taken to be such, that such an heir male as had not the inheritance of his Ancestors should not be suffered to bear his mark without distinction; for it should seem (by this) that the issue of them that had married the heir general of any family (being by reason thereof possessed of the lands) had not only an interest in the Arms, but might also forbid any man the bearing thereof.
There is also another matter out of square, which is, that every man that obtaineth large possessions, (whether the same be acquired by his judgment in law, traffick in merchandize, or any other mean) yea although never any of his progenitors, (from whom he can derive himself) had the charge to lead men of Arms, will yet at this day intrude themselves into the Badges and marks of souldiers: for although such as be descended from men of martial discipline, have an interest in their ancestors marks (amongst other their goods) and therefore may shew forth the same to their predecessors glory, and their own (in respect of their descent) yet such men as rise by their sciences, judgments, or skill in other arts, affairs, or trades (although they be [Page 31] to be reverenced for their wisdom and praiseful actions, and had in honour answerable to their vertues and dignities) have yet little to do with the marks or Badges of soldiers.
For altho a reverend Judg, that hath ministred law and justice a long time (and that so long as that thereby to his great glory) he hath obtained reputation, wealth, and revenue, is to be had in high estimation, and in respect thereof to have allow'd him some note or mark of Honour fit for his calling, yot (to my simple judgment) the same should be disposed unto him after the old Roman order, by signifying the manner of his rising, rather then to put a corselet on his back, a Burgonet on his head, a Target on his Arm, and a Sword by his side, being things that would cumber greatly the good old man to use, either for his own defence, or but to shew (by way of triumph) for his glory, sithence, neither is it tolerable (by reason of his age) nor in his youth did he exercise himself in welding thereof.
And as these things are unseeming for him to wear, no more can I see any reason why he should deck up the moniments of his house with such signs or tokens, except he can derive himself from an ancestor that hath had the use of such things, and then (to set them sorth as a glory to his deceased parent) will greatly augment the regard of his rising, which rising yet (of it self) is a sufficient [Page 32] Honour, the same being by any just, vertuous, or laudable means. And these new risings I could wish to be of more reputation then they seem to be esteem'd of, either by others, or themselves that so rise; as is apparent by many of their doings, who intrude themselves into marks of Antiquity, and setting forth of descents, wherein they are yet fain many times either to counterfet, or else to derive themselves from some poor parents, which they (either truly, or by surmize) alledge to have descended from some antient family, and that have been by some accident or other in former time decayed: wherein me thinks men do greatly mistake the matter, for that (in my opinion) a man that is but of mean parentage and riseth by commendable means, is equivalent to him that riseth from a decayed family, namely when his said parent hath been overthrown for offence, as many times they alleadge in plain terms. And I could wish that every man that raiseth a House by his good industry, should be honoured with some such Badge or Mark, as should be answerable to the quality of his rising; and not every man of what condition soever they be, to entrude themselves into the signs and marks of souldiers, and such as follow the field with martial exploits.
Some people also there are that be so precise, as that they do disallow altogether the setting forth of any memory of well deserving men, [Page 33] which have shewed themselves valiant either in the act of Religion, their Princes service, or defence of their Country; neither allowing their posterity to set forth any memory of their praises, nor suffering any monuments or garnishments to remain of their Burials; as tho it were a matter offensive to God to have good men well spoken of, or their valorous doings by their obsequies either reverenc'd, or by any records remembred.
To such men I have not thought it amiss to shew them their error by directing them to such places of Scripture as do not only tolerate and allow of such actions, but also praise and commend the doing thereof, and in some sort charge and command the same to be done, whereby both they may (if they be not obstinate) reform their misconceived opinions, and others may be fortifyed in their praiseful endeavours towards the honouring of vertuous and worthy men, to the animating of posterity to imitate their laudable actions; sithence indeed the chiefest matter that stirreth up men to do well next their zeal to God, and the love of vertue it self, is to think that not only their souls shall be rewarded with the mercies of God, but also that their doings shall be had in a reverent remembrance with the reports of all good men that shall speak of them.
And first, that the using, bearing and setting forth of Banners, Ensigns and Marks of Armory are [Page 34] allowable by the sacred scriptures, it appeareth by the holy Evangelist Saint Luke recording the peregrination of Saint Paul, and speaking of Armory without reprehension (which he would not have done had the use thereof been offensive) in this sort:
(Act. Apost. cap. 28. v. 11.) Post menses autem tres navigavimus in navi Alexandrina, quae in insula Hyemaverat cui erat insigne Castorum. And after three months we departed in a Ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the Isle, whose Signs was Castor and Pollux.
And in the book of Numeri, God by his prophet Moyses commandeth his people of Israel to devide and dispose themselves into companies by their Ensigns and Banners speaking unto them in these words:
(Num. Cap. 2. v. 1. 2) Locutusque est Dominus ad Moysen & Aaron, dicens, singuli, per turmas, Signa, atque vexilla, & domos cognationum suarum, castra-metabuntur, filiorum Israel per Gyrum tabernaculi foederis. And the Lord spake unto Moyses, and unto Aaron saying, Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by their own Standard, with the Ensign of their father's house, far off about the Tabernacle of the Congregation shall they pitch.
So that by this you may see, that as these matters be no new inventions of men, so they are also things allowable by the word of God.
[Page 35] Neither do Obsequies or monuments ensuing worthy acts want the authority of Scriptures, for in the book of Numeri it is written thus:
(Num. cap. 31. v. 48.) Cumque accessissent principes exercitus ad Moysen, & Tribuni, centurionesque dixerunt, nos serui tui recensuimus numerum pugnatorum, quos habuimus sub manu nostra: & ne unus quidem defuit, ob hanc causam offerimus in donarijs Domini singuli quod in praeda auri potui [...]us invenire, Periscelides & Armillas, Annulos & Dextralia ac Murenulas, &c. Et susceptum intulerunt in Tabernaculum testimonij in monimentum coram Domino. And the officers which were over thousands of the Host, the Captains of thousands and Captains of hundreds came near unto Moses and sayd thy servants have taken the summe of the men of war, which are under the chardge, and there lacketh no one man of us: we have therefore brought an oblation for the Lord, what every man hath gotten, of Jewels of Gold, Chains, and Bracelets, Ear-rings, and Tablets, &c. and brought it into the Tabernacle of the Congregation, for a memorial for the children of Israel before the Lord.
And in another place of Numeri thus:
(Num. cap. 16. v. 36.) Locutus (que) est Dominus ad Moysen dicens, praecipe Eliazaro filio Aaron sacerdoti, ut tollat Thuribula quae jacent in incendio, & ignem huc illucque dispergat: &c. producatque ea in laminas, & affigat altari: &c. ut cernant ea [Page 36] pro signo & monimento filij Israel. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying; Speak unto Eleazer, the son of Aaron the Priest, that he take up the Censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder &c. Let them make broad plates for a covering of the Altar &c. and they shall be a sign unto the children Israel.
Also in the book of Joshua I find these words:
(Josuae cap. 4. v. 5.) Et ait Josue ad eos, ite ante arcam Domini Dei vestri ad Jordanis medium & portate inde singuli singulos lapides in humeris vestris, juxta numerum filiorum Israel, ut sit siguum inter vos: & quando interrogaverint vos filij vestri cras, dicentes quid sibi volunt isti lapides? Respondebitis, defecerunt aquae Jordanis ante arcam foederis Domini, cum transiret eum, idcirco positi sunt lapides isti in monimentum filiorum Israel usque aeternum. And Joshua said unto them, pass over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of Jordan, and take you up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according to the number of the Tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying what mean you by these stones: Then ye shall answer them that the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord when it passed over Jordan; the waters of Jordan were cut off; and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
[Page 37] (Num. cap. 27. v. 8) And for the disposing of heritages it is written thus. Homo cum mortuus fuerit abs (que) filio, ad filiam ejus transibit haereditas; si filiam non habuerit, habebit successores fratrs suos; quod si & fratres non fuerint, dabitis haereditatem fratribus patris ejus; sin autem nec patruos habuerit, dabitur haereditas his qui ei proximi sunt. Eritque hoc filijs Israel sanctum lege perpetua siout praecepit Dominus Moysi. If a man dy and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughters: And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his Brethren: and if he have no Brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his fathers Brethren: And if his father have no Brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman, that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment as the Lord commanded Moses.
(Num. cap. 26. v. 1. and v. 5.) And for the collection of Genealogies, thus saith God to Moses and Elèazar: Numerate omnem summam filiorum Israel à viginti annis & suprà, per domos & cognationes suas, cunctos qui possunt ad bella procedere: &c. Reuben primogenitus Israel, hujus filius, Henoch, à quo familia Henochitarum: & Phallu, à quo familia Phalluitarum; & Hezron à quo familia Hezronitarum. Take the summe of the people [Page 38] from twenty years old and upwards, as the Lord commanded Moses and the children of Israel (according to their families and kindred, all that were able for warr; Reuben the eldest son of Israel: The children of Reuben, Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of Palluites: of Hesron the family of the Hesronites.
And for a further proof of the recording of Genealogies, it is to be considered how diligent the same hath been observed through the whole course of the Scriptures, as the descents from Adam to Noe, and from Noe to Abraham, &c. do sufficiently testify. And more, that with the spirit of truth the Genealogy of Christ our Saviour and redeemer, as concerning his humanity, is also by the writing of his holy Evangelists most plainly and sincerely remembred and set down. All these things being therefore by the Scriptures of God (the decider of all controversiies) proved and declared: Your Lordships may see that the bearing of Arms, raising and advancing of Standards, Banners and Ensigns, using of Obsequies, erecting of Monuments, Enroling and regestring of Pedegrees, and Descents, have joyned to the antient customs and laws both of this Land and all other nations; the authority of Gods word, being very well accompanied with discretion, reason, and judgment; for God having by his sacred institution ordained Kingdoms, Provinces, and [Page 39] Seignories, and that over them Kings, Princes and Magistrates, shall command, rule, and govern his people, to the end chiefly that his heavenly Kingdom may be replenished with the blessed souls of his servants, for the instructing whereof he hath also ordained his holy Church, and the Bishops, pastors and ministers of the same, which Bishops and other spiritual officers cannot so well enform his Christian people without the aid of the said Kings and temporal Lords: neither can they govern their particular Countries either from the invasion of outward tyrants or inward Rebels, but through the use of their sword of justice, which sword cannot be exercised against unruly persons being of strength, wanting men skilful in martial Discipline, who cannot manage those affairs but by mean of the aforesaid Arms and Ensigns, in manner as before I have more largely expressed.
And in like sort as Princes, great Lords, Judges, Magistrates and Governours, do use to wear sacred Robes of gold, purple, scarler, and other ornaments and apparel; not to take pride in, or for any vain ostentation or show; but only that they may be distinguished from the inferior people, to the end that a reverent regard may be had of them in respect of the high office which under God here on earth they bear.
And as these things no man of any reason will gainsay, so I see not but as-well may their just [Page 40] vertues and good government be remembred with Funerals, Obsequies, and Monuments, after their decease, whereby such as succeed in government may also be had in more high estimation, and a fair example is thereby given them to imitate the regiment of their predecessors,
Likewise doth the Registring of descents carry with it reason joined to authority and custom; for as by Gods law there is commanded a priviledge of enheritance to the first begotten of Israel, and so for want of sons to the females, and from them to others answerable to the proximity of their blood and kindred, which with the laws of this land, and of most nations do concur and agree; it doth well stand with peaceful government for the avoiding of contentions which may rise for want of records, to testify the truth of mens titles to their enheritances, that Genealogies and Pedegrees, should be enrolled and kept in remembrance.
I have my good Lords stood the longer upon this point, for that of late travelling through some countries of this Land, and having a desire to see the Moniments of antiquity which have remained in such places as I passed by, for which cause as otherwise I many times resorted to Churches and other houses to satisfy my affection, I found that many Moniments both of Burials and in glass were so broken and defaced, that vneth may be had any knowledge what the fragments [Page 41] remaining did signify: and enquiring of the inhabitants how it came to pass that those things were so blemished, they made report that certain persons, delighting as may seem in novelty, for they can abide no mark of Antiquity, had defaced the same. These men that take upon them to be reformers, whose desires are great through the singularity and pride they have in their own wits and understandings, weening themselves to be very wise, where indeed they are very simple, and only look but into the abuses of things, and do not see into the grounds and depth of the reasons and causes for which good ordinances were made, go about to find faults, where many times none are; but if peradventure they hap to find an ordinance well made misused, then streight never seek they to reform the abuse, but by their wills, down goeth ordinance and all, such is their insolency, rashness, and want of judgment.
It were well done therefore my good Lords, and I could wish that your Honours having sometimes access to her Majesty, and oftentimes conference with my Lords of her privy Councel, should enform her Highness, and their Honours of the said abuses committed, and to be thereby a mean that these simple fellows taking upon them to be reformers, might be reformed themselves, [Page 42] and both kept from destroying of good ordinances, and be punished for their offences in that behalf committed.
In the mean time yet shall I desire that Honourable personages will look better to the Moniments of their ancestors, by correcting the destroyers thereof, and therein to imitate the laudable actions of William Fleetwood, Serjeant at the Law, and Recorder of the City of London, who being commissioner amongst others for the visitation of causes Ecclesiastical, by the Princes authority, by vertue thereof imprisoned certain wilful persons that had defaced the Moniment of Queen Katherine Dowyger at Preterborough, until such time as they had reformed the same, which thing was through his good endeavour reedified and perfected again, and so remaineth to this day: for although some hapily see standing those of their own parents, yet it were good they should sorsee that no others be pulled down; for that there is not to be looked for but that suffering such injuries to rest unpunished, the doers thereof will in time grow more insolent, and have a cast to overthrow theirs also.
And now being in speech of Monuments, I cannot but remember their ignorance who make small account of any ancestor except before the Conquest, weening that all that lie cross-legged [Page 43] † so were: and that all antient evidence without date is the like: whereas the one was not had in use until after the Palestine wars, and the other, such as be sealed, be also since * the Conquest; for I could never see nor hear of any that had seen sealed deed, but the same was made sithence the Conquest of this Land, when the use (as I take it) of sealing with wax first began in England.
But these men will not stoop one jot under the Conquest, telling many fables of their ancestors then preserving their Houses, Honours, and Armories, forgetting quite that it is much more glorious and honourable to be descended from a most famous nation conquering, then such [Page 44] people by plain feat of Arms subjuged, for as the Poet saith,
So that if they have any thing praise-worthy left to brag of, it it that they well contended with so puissant conquerors, which were then in their time as wise, glorious, and famous a nation as were in the whole world to be found.
Another sort there be not much more skilful, who if they see any Armory, straight enter into the comparison of the fairness thereof: and foul and false is it, if mettal lie upon mettal alone, or colour upon colour: And yet I could wish we should never have more dishonourable men nor worse souldiers then have so born their Armory: for to omit that worthy Godfrey, and that Mack Morise King of Lymster in Ireland, whose only daughter and heir was married to Richard Strongbowe Earl of Penbrook, and bare in a black shield a red ramping Lion; of our own Sir Richard Sanbach of Sanbach in Chesshire, Sir William Wakbirge of Wakbirge in Darbishire, two valiant Knights, yet both bare colour upon colour. Passing the number of examples, I will recite the words of mine Author speaking of the adventures of a brave Knight in the company of Sir Robert Canole resting by Paris.
[Page 45] This Knight having vowed to strike with his launce on the barriers of the city, performed it, and then the words be these: Celluy cheualier ie ne sca comment il auoit nom ne de quel pays il istoit mais s' armoit a gueulles a de deux fouses noyeres et vne bordure noyre non endente. And although I grant they be not so well to be discerned, as when metal and colour be varied the one with the other; yet sithence the number be great of most worthy men that have born their Arms in such manner, I will esteem their marks as honourable as the rest, and never impute any falsity to them.
And this kind of men also commonly discant upon the proportion, nature, and quality of the device, as if the name of Ricbard were better then Robcrt; and Ralph better then Roger; and in their conceits the Eagle or Faulcon are the fairest birds to be born of all feathered fowls, and so of other the like: when indeed except for the reverence due to the Bearers, who do honour their bearings by their renown, vertue and valure, otherwise there is no difference in the fairness of marks: but that those only are to be preferred which be easiest to be perceived, discerned, and known to be the same things they be marked out for: And therefore the Capitale of Beuf'z black Midas head with his fair long Asse-ears, was as good a crest, as Sir John Chandos chiftains head proper in a white scarffe goodly envellopped: [Page 46] And as fair a coat is Hopwells, being three red Hares playing on Bagpipes in a silver shield, as Newinton which bare d' Azure three Eglets d' Argent displaid.
And now me thinks I hear. some that esteem me to mend, and become more fine, skilfull, and Herauld-like in my emblazons, as using the French phrases of d'azyer & d'argent, who think, I doubt not, but that I have committed a great error for want of using the said French phrases in my emblazons; notwithstanding I will joyn in opinion with such as esteem it to be more proper to speak and use English terms and phrases in an English book dedicated to Englishmen, then French or Latin, otherwise than cited authority leadeth.
Thus far from Mr. Erdswike publisht by Mr. Wyrley.
I come now to what that most expert Herauld Robert Glover Somerset hath sayed upon this subject of Differences, in his Book De Origine & Antiquitate Armorum, &c.
Apud nos in Anglia, longo & approbato usu, triplices observantur Armorum Differentiae; scilicet Principales, Consanguineorum, & Extraneorum.
Differentiae principales sint Labellus, sive Lingula, eum pendulis, & appendicibus imparibus: Simplex, & quandoque rebus onustis.
Bordura, sive fimbria simplex, componata, aut alio modo semmata, vel distincta per endenturas, & crenelaturas, quae dicuntur principales differentiae; [Page 47] quia in Armis nunquam cernuntur, nec ullo alio usui destinantur, nisi ad illorum differentiam & discrepantiam.
Differentiae Consanguineorum sunt Crescens, Macula, Merulus, Annulus, Fos-lilij & similia, quae dicuntur Consanguineorum differentiae, quia serviunt & destinantur consanguineis, ab uno & eodem stipite descendentibus: Ut filius junior, dum caelebs & innuptus remanserit gerens Arma patris sui cum tali parva differentia dignoscatur. Et-inter multos fratres, ut quilibet eorum possit bene secerni & cognosci ab alio per sua Arma in praelijs & expeditionibus bellicis; & priaecipue quo ad Nativitatis & geniturae suae statum & praeeminentiam, portabunt Arma domus & familio unde sunt praegnati, cum tali parva differentia. At postquam ductis uxoribus, mutiplicatisque liberis, novam per se constituerint familiam, rejectis prioribus minutis differentijs, Arma domus cum Labello, Bordura, Quarterio, Benda, aut alia graviori distinctione, additione, vel commutatione portare debent, quo dehinc & illorum familia, ab originali illa familia, unde oriuntur, Armorum delatione facile precipi, distingui, & separari. Et tamque est verus, naturalis, & genuinus Armorum usus, ut per easdem cognoscantur & distinguantur familiae & agnationes, ob quam causam proculdubio in initio inventa fuerant.
Differentiae Extraneorum sunt, Barrulae, Bendae, Fasces; Tigna, sive signa capitalia, Palae, Quarteriae, [Page 48] & similia, quae extraneorum dicuntur notae: Quia licet Extraneo Arma cujuscumque domus seu familiae portare & ostendere, cum hujusmodi incrementis et additione sine quorumeumque praejudicio vel offensione.
Harum Differentiarum vero usu neglecto, dum his dieb [...] juniores filij minutulas illas Crescentium, Macularum, Merulorum, Annulorum, at (que) Florum differentias retinere solent, easque ad suos quoque posteros transmittant, famularum notitia (quae per Armorum delationes cognosci, secerni, et distingui solebant) prorsus obfuscatur, et deletur.
With us in E [...]gland, there hath been a threefold Difference observed in Arms; that is to say of the Chiefs, or Principals; for those of Consanguinity; and of Strangers.
The principal Differences are a Labell, or string with points, or pendents unlike: sometimes plain; and sometimes chang'd.
The Border, or plain fillet, componed, or distinguished by Endenting, or Engrailing, which are called the Principal Differences; because they are never seen in Arms, or designed, but for Differences.
The Differences for such as are of Consanguinity, are a Crescent, a Mullet, a Martlet, an Annulet, a Flower de Lys, and the like; which are called Differences of kinsmen; because they are designed and serve for those which are descended from one and the same stock: as for example, a younger [Page 49] son, whilst he continues a Batcheler and not married, he is known by bearing his Fathers Arms with such a small distinction or difference. And amongst many Brothers, to the end that each of them may be discern'd and known from another by his Arms in Battels, and warlike Expeditions, and specially as to their primogeniture and preheminence, they bore the Arms of the House and Family, whence they sprung, with such a small Distinction. But afterwards, when married, and had children, being Heads of new Families, they quitted those former minute and petty Differences, they bore the Arms of their House with a Labell, Bordure, Quarter, Bend, or some other greater distinction or addition, which thenceforth might evidently distinguish them and their Family from the original House and Stock from whence they were descended. Such being the true, natural, and genuine use of Arms, that each Family and Kindred might be known and distinguisht from one another; that being doubtless the cause for which they were at first devised.
As to the Differences of Strangers, they were Barrulets, Bends, Fesses, Cheverons, or capital marks; Pales, Quarters, and the like, which are said to be the Badges and marks of Strangers; because it is lawful for a Stranger of any House or Family to bear his Arms with these kind of distinctions and differences, without doing injury or giving offence to any.
[Page 50] But these Differences being grown out of use; now adays younger Sons do not only retain these petty Distinctions of Crescents, Mullets, Martlets, Annulets, and Flowers, but transmit them to their posterity; whence it is, that the Distinction and proper knowledg of several Families, which had wont to be perspicuous by the bearings in their Arms, is now totally confounded and obscured.
Hereunto I shall add what the most learned Camden, sometimes Clarencieux King of Arms, hath express'd as to this point:
* ‘No Gentlemen ought to bear their Differences in Armory, otherwise then the Office of Armory requireth: And when younger Brethren do marry, erect, and establish new Houses, are accordingly to bear their Arms with such Distinctions and Differences, that they may be known from their elder Families, out of which they were descended; the King of Arms of the Province to be consulted withall, and such Differences of Houses are to be assigned and establish'd by his privity and consent, that so he may advise them to the best, and keep record thereof; otherwise Gentlemen may either hurt themselves, by taking such a Difference as shall prejudice the chief House from whom they are descended.’
[Page] Let us now see what Sir Henry Spelman (whose memory is not a little famous for his knowledg i [...] Antiquities, and Herauldry) hath written as to thi [...] matter.
De Discerniculis.
* Pluribus idem Insigne deferre, abs (que) debita differentia sua, fas non est: Ne ejusdem gentis familijs; ne ejusdom familiae fratribus. Familiae autem coryphaeo Symbolum manet integrum et indiscretum; Junioribus omnibus suis Discerniculis interstrictis; quae semper in editiori clypei parte (cophalicae regionis medio, juxta Leum) expetuntur quod Wriothsleus fecialis sub Edwardi quarti aevo, a se inventum propagatum (que) fuisse, ne ulterius quaeras, tradidit.
Fratrem primogenitum Lemniscis, seu virgula lemniscata donant. Vivente patre triplici, nondum extincto avo quintuplici; semper impari, si Lei fidem sequamur.
Corollae praefert similitudinem, Lemniscis ex ea dependentibus; quam ideo primogenito assignatam dixeris, quia familiae decus, sic prae caeteris exornandus videatur.
Antique autem idem hoc Signum, secundo, tertio, quinto conferebatur; discrimine vel in colore posito, [Page 52] vel in Lemniscorum numero.
Secundo fratri Lunulam, Crescentem vocant; Graeci [...], assignant; Tertio Penticonum; Quarto Apodem; Quinto Anellum; Sexto Lilium.
Et hisce quidem Discerniculis internoscenda exhibentur Warwici in Fenestra veteri, Ecclisiae S. Mariae, Arma, sex filiorum Thomae Beauchamp XIIII. Comitis illius tractus, qui obijt 34. Edw. tertij, ut intelligas istiusmodi Distinctionis ritum non a nuperis emanasse.
Alij qui aetate Henrici septimi scripserunt, Haeredem ipsum Crescenti lunula distinxerunt, ut accessuro huic lumine, accessuram illi haereditatem ostenderent.
Secundo vero fratrem, quem tertium familiae limen occupare aiunt (primum enim patri, alterum Haeredi tribuunt) triplici Lemnisco consignarunt: Tertio fratri quadruplicem: Quarto quintuplicem.
Sed nec haec, nec illa distinguendi ratio satis apud veteres invaluit, qui apertissimis differentiis consusulentes, paternos colores saepe inverserunt: Saepe rerum gestarum numerum auxerunt; saepe minuerunt; alicui gestamina, praesertim materna, & haereditaria saepissime interseruerunt. Interdum desertis integris Insignibus, novis gavisi sunt.
Sin vero Protogoni Clypeum, per omnes agnationes, familias, gentes retinuisse placuerit; Lemniscis, quos diximus, Diagoniis, Limbis, Quadraturis, Angulis, aliisque latis & conspecti; oribus differentiis usi sunt.
En in una gente omnium pene Exemplaria.
[Page 53] Extraneorum gens, vulgo le Strange, inter limitaneos proceres notissimae virtutis, & triplici tum olim Baronia, amplissimisque familiis perquam potens & splendida, Clypeo utebatur rubeo, duobus argenteis Leonibus graduarijs, quam Johannes le Strange quartus Baro de Knockyn, ut familiarum coryphaeus, purum protulit.
Fulco le Strange, Baro de Corsham & Blakmere, qui a Johanne, avo dicti Johannis, per—filium tertium descenderet, colores inversit, Argenteo clypeo rubeos inducens.
Rogerus le Strange, Baro de Ellesmere (ab eodem avo, per filium quartum prognatus) gentis clypeum, limbo imbricato aureo circundedit.
Ejus pater etiam Rogerus, cum Matildem filiam Willielmi de Bellocampo uxorem duxisset, Bellocamporum Cruces Crucigeras (sed argenteos numero (que) novenario) argenteis suis Leonibus intercalavit.
Hamo le Strange a Johanne quarto, per quintum editus, clypeum fratris sui Johannis, sexti Baronis de Knockyn, aurea diagonali virgula trajecit, eodem (que) discrimine apud Hunstanton (Norfolcensi agro) quam a Barone fratre anno gratiae 1309 dono acceperat, consedens, celebri familiae (quae in hunc us (que) diem, eadem sede, eadem (que) discernicula, faeliciter claruit) initium dedit.
Sed ipse etiam Johannes le Strange sextus Baro de Knockyn, Leones suos Apodum peribolo (ut e Sigillo cernimus) aliquando circumclusit,
[Page 54] Eadem tempestate Johannes le Strange (Glocestriensis puto) is, qui dominus de Ercalene inscribebatur, clypeum Rogeri le Strange de Ellesmere, cerulea mitella transegit.
At (que) hunc quidem decernendi morem potiori laude multi efferunt, quod militaria Symbola, ad distinctionem enata, distinctiora multo effecerat:
Minutulis enim illis recentiorum formulis, nec error defuit, nec periculum.
Sic elusi (apud Froisardum) Hannones illi, qui sub vexillo Willielmi Baileul, argenteis cyaneis (que) repagulis transmutato, rubri (que) binis fastigijs inducto, recipere se contendebant; ad vexillum Roberti Baileul, fratris sui minoris, exigua cruce aurea (quam male animadverterent) discriminatam convolabant: fusi (que) & dissipati omnes gravissimas ernoris sui paenas persolverunt.
Rideo igitur & rejicio icunculas istas, quas tum praecipue in morem venisse arbitramur, cum ipsa insignia, relictis jam nativis stationibus, clypeis, vexillis, apparatu (que) militari, in aedium fenestris molli (que) supellectili (ubi nec refert magnitudo) potissiimum residerent.
Touching small Differences, being the Latin before mentioned, put in English.
It is not at all lawful for several persons to bear one and the same Arms, without a due Difference; no not to those of the same family though they be Brothers thereof.
[Page 55] To the chief of the family, the intire Arms without any difference do belong, but the younger branches are to have their respective Differences, and bear them in the midst of the upper part of the Escocheon, according to Lee, which Wriothesley (a Herauld under K. Edw. 4th) affirms to be of his devising.
To the eldest son, in his fathers life time, was assigned a Labell of three points; but if his grandfather was living, with five points, ever different, if we give credit to Lee.
Which (like a Coronet) the Labells hanging at it, is therefore assigned to the eldest son, that as he is the glory of the family he may seem to be adorned above the rest.
Antiently this distinction was conferred on the second, third or fourth, either by different colour, or number of the Labells.
To the second Brother they assigned a Crescent: to the third a Mullet of five points; to the fourth a Martlet; to the fifth an Annulet; to the sixth a Flower de Lys.
And by these Differences the six sons of Thomas Beauchamp the XIIII Earl of Warwick, (who died in the thirty fourth year of K. Edw. 3.) are shewed forth in an old window of the Church of St. Mary at Warwick; so that you may see that this usage is ancient.
Some who have written in the time of K. Henry the seventh, have distinguisht the Heir himself [Page 56] by a Crescent, that by the accession of Light they might shew that the inheritance was coming to him.
And to the second Brother, whom they take to be the third boundary of the family (attributing the first to the father, and the second to the heir) they assign a Labell of three points: To the third a Labell of four points; and to the fifth a Labell of five points.
But none of these kind of Distinctions were used amongst the Antients; Who studying apparent and perspicuous Differences, often inverted the paternal colour; sometimes augmented the particular chardge in the shield; sometimes diminishing the same; and sometimes inserting another sort of bearing, especially from the mother; but sometimes totally quitting their paternal Arms, and assuming new.
But if the respective branches of the family did retain their Ancestors Arms, then they did use apparent and conspicuous Differences either by Labells, Bends, Borders, Quarters, Cantons or the like.
Examples whereof we have almost all in one family.
As in that of le Strange, sometimes famous for their valour in the marshes of Wales; whereof there were three distinct Barons; who had a sheild gules, with two Lyons passant Argent, which John [Page 57] le Strange the fourth Baron of Knockyn, as the chief of that house, did bear.
But Fulke le Strange, Baron of Corfham and Blakmere, who descended from the Grandfather of the said John, by a third son, inverted the colours, bearing in a field Argent, two Lyons passant gules.
Likewise Roger le Strange Baron of Ellesmere, who descended from the same grandfather by a fourth son, bore the same Arms, with a Border engrayled Or.
Also Roger his father, after he had marryed Maud the daughter of William de Beauchamp, bore nyne Cross-croslets Argent betwixt his silver-lyons.
Moreover Hamon le Strange, who descended from the said John the fourth, by a fifth son, bore the Arms of his Brother, John the sixth Baron of Knockyn, with a Bendlet Or; and fixing himself at Hunstanton in Norfolk (which he obtained in the year 1309 from John his Brother) was the original of that worthy family, which doth still remain there, bearing the same Difference.
But the sayd John le Strange the sixth Baron of Knockyn, did sometime environ his Lyons with an Orle of Martlets, as by his Seals are to be seen.
At the same time another John le Strange, who was Lord of Ercalene (in Shropshire) bore the Arms of Roger le Strange of Ellesmere with a Bendlet Azure.
Which kind of Differences, as many do affirm, [Page 58] are most worthy of commendation, because as military Badges, first used for distinction, they are much more discernable.
For by these small and petty Differences, there is both error and danger, as it is evident by those Hennovers of which Froisard speakes; who fighting under the Standard of William de Baileul, with Barrs Argent and Azure counterchanged, and over them two Chevrons gules striving to repair thereto, came to the Standard of Robert Baileul his younger Brother, distinguisht but by a small golden-cross, which occasioned a total rout to them all, whereby they paid dear for their mistake.
I do therefore smile at, and despise these pettey Differences, which now a days are used; whereas the Arms themselves, leaving their native stations, in Shields, Banners, and habiliments of warr, doth now chiefly appear in Glass-windows and sleight houshold stuff, where the largeness of the distinction is not at all regarded.
Having now done with these English writers, let us hear what the French say thereto.
Pour celles des maisons particularies, chascun on [Page 59] use comme il lui plaist, toutes fois les pieces, dont se sert ordinairement pour Brisures, sont le Lambell, les Bordures, le Baton, ou Cottice, le Franc Canton; la Molette; le Croissant; l' Estaille; le Besant &c.
For Differences of particular Houses, each one useth as he pleaseth: nevertheless the pieces that ordinarily are used, are the Labell; the Bordures; the Baton, or Cotice; the Franc Canton (id est the Dexter Canton) the Mullet; the Crescent; the Star, the Besant [the Besant in the French acceptation being a roundell, either Or or Argent.]
Les pleines Armes sont reservees aux aisnez par les loix divines & humaines: Les Cadets & puisnez les portent aussi, mais avec quel (que) differences d' inferiorite; ce que l' on appelles Brisures, dont le nombre n' est point limite, puis qu' elles dependent de la fantasie.
Les uns prennent Estoilles; Croissans; Soleils, animaux, oyseaux, fleurs, & autres choses posces d' ordenaire sur le flanc dextre de l' Escu, en chef ou montantes d' icelui. Des autres brisent en diminuant les pieces: & d' autres en changeant les esmail-de leur Armes.
Mais le plus souvent pour Brisure, on se sert du Lambeau; de la Bordure; de l' Orle; Báston; [Page 60] Bande ou Cottice, que ie range ici selon leur dignite. Car on tient que s' il se trouvoit cin (que) puisnez en un maison, le Lambeau appertiendroit au premier; le Bordure au second; & aussi des autres.
Si bien, que les puisnez: Du premier puisnes pour doubles Brisures, ou sou brisures, augmente: ront les pendens du Lambeau; le premier d' un: le second de deux autres; & les autres de mesme jusques a cinque.
Apres quoy, pour sou-brisures, on chargeroit de Lambeau, qui d' une figure qui d' une autre.
Les sou-brisures de la Bordure, sont primierement de la fair Engreslee.
Secondement de la charger de Torteaux ou Besans: Troisiesmement de la Componee. Et finálement de la charger de plusieurs figures, ou d' une soule.
Il en est de mesme des autres Brisures.
Which in English is thus.
The plain Arms are reserved to the eldest sons, both by divine and humane laws: The Cadets (or younger) bear the same Arms, but with some Difference of inferiority, which we call Brisures: of which the number is not limitted, but depends upon fancy.
Some take Starrs, Cressents, Sunns, Beasts, Birds, Flowers, and other things, put most commonly upon the dexter Flanc of the Escocheon; upon the cheife part of the same; or moving, or issuing thence. Others difference by diminishing the peices of the chardge, or changing the colours.
[Page 61] But most commonly for Brisures (or differences) we make use of the Labell; the Bordure; the Orle; the Baton; the Bend, or Cottice, which I range here according to their dignity: For we hold, that if there be five puisnes in a house, the Labell belongs to the first; the Bordure to the second, and so of the rest.
So that the puisnes of the first puisnes for double (or sub-brisures) shall augment the pendents of the Labell: the first with one; the second with two: the rest accordingly to the number of five.
After which, for Sub-brisures, or differences, we must chardge the Labell with one figure or another.
The Sub-brisures of the Bordure, are first of all to make it Engrailed.
Secondly to chardge it with Torteaux, or Besants.
Thirdly to Compone (or Gobone) it. And finally to chardge it with various sorts of figures or with one alone.
The same must be done with the other sort of Brisures or differences.
Note that the French Blazoners, do, by Torteauxes mean Roundles of colors: And by Besants those of mettal; viz. Silver, and Gold.
The book of St. Albans sayth, that Labells are excellent Differences; as with three, four, five, or more points. It also speaks of Cross-croslets, Mullets, or the like. Likewise of Bordures changed, in form, or in color.
[Page 62] We will conclude this chapter of Arms, and Blazons with acknowledging and distinguishing the eldest sons from the younger and inferior.
* The eldest are known and discerned from the other by the plain paternal Arms without any Brisure (id est diminution) whatsoever, except the father gave the same so.
It is ordinarily seen in illustrious and most noble Houses, that the second son quartereth the fathers Arms, with them of his mother: but this occasioneth confusion to their descent and linage, if they have store of male children:
Others diversifye and vary in the chief, or else in the first quarter and Canton of the cheife, which is termed of Honour; or else Partissent a, Flanquent b, Entent c, en poincte, ou mettent d sur le tout:
But the most certain knowledge is made by Brisures, so far as to the seventh generation, the end of all patronage [Brisures signifying any thing added besides the original chardge.]
It is an assured rule, that among males, the eldest [Page 63] acknowledgeth himself, and he ought to be acknowledged by his father's Arms, if he be no otherwise stipuled by contracts of marriage, of donation, or of substitution, which do extend so far as to the fourth heir. And if all the males would bear the fathers Arms, they ought to be distinguished according to degree of Birth, or primogeniture, by Brisures.
But the second son deit Porter le Lambeau de trois pieces; which is to be understood of metal or color, and which also ought to be observed in all other Brisures.
The third son une simple Bordure. The fourth le Orle; The fifth le Baston: And the sixth le Bande.
If there be any more, the Cheife; the first or last Canton of the Cheife, or else le Ente en Poincte will serve to be remarked.
The assailants or challengers of all the younger thus born must be acknowledged by doubles Brisures; in regard the eldest son issued of the second, ought to retain and bear the Fathers Arms avecques leur Brisure le Lambeau de trois pieces en chef.
The second le Larabeau de quatre pieces en chef.
The third pareil Lambeau monuant le cheif.
And the fourth pareil Lambeau charge solon sa fantasie d'Aigles, Lyons, Croissants, Roses, Aleryons, Merlets, ou Diapre.
The second son issuing of the first third portera la Bordure engreslee.
The third chargee de Befans, ou Torteaux.
[Page 64] The fourth La Bordure Componee.
The next Endentee, or Endenchee. And the rest (if there be any more) Chargee de Annulets, partie del un ou l' autre, ou bien le simple, ou be double essanier & trescheur; id est the diminitive of an Orle.
The second son issuing of the first fourth, l' Orle, which his descendents and he may diversifye; d' Eschecquette, pale, counterpale, Lozange, Frelte, Fusille, Faisses, conterfaisses, Paile, Viure e, cheveronne contre-cheveronne; Verse, f contre-verse; or chardged with the forenamed Beasts with pannes g, Marles, Molettes, Estoiles, ou de rustres h, or other varieties, which may be put into Arms.
The second son of the first fifth, and his descendents may change and vary le Baston, as hath been said before and the like.
Of the second son, and his assaylants of the first six a la Band i, which may be Coticee, jumelle k, Bretesscee, l Feuillee m de six, componee, Endenctiee, ou chargee d' animaux, ou de pannes.
But it is to be held for a rule, and an infallible Maxime in Arms, and the noble art of painting, and Blazon, that he which beareth least is the best, which will serve for question and enquirie.