Douglas Heraldry
The History of Arms
The origin of the Coat of Arms was a
jacket or tabard worn by a mediaeval Knight over his armour in order
to identify himself. Nowadays the expression "Coat of Arms" is
generally applied to what is officially called an "Achievement",
which consists of various parts: a shield, helmet, mantling, wreath,
crest, motto and sometimes supporters and decorations.
There
is a widespread misconception that a family or a clan can have a
family or clan Coat of Arms. Many heraldic and clan web sites and
other media suggest that a person has the right to use the family or
clan Arms. This is completely incorrect.
A Coat of Arms
belongs only to one individual person and can only be used by that
person and no one else. In order for a person to be able to use a
Coat of Arms it is necessary for that individual person to apply for
a personal Coat of Arms to be granted to him or her.
What is
permitted is for a member of a clan to use the clan crest . Usually
what is referred to as the clan Coat of Arms is in fact the personal
Arms of the chief of the clan which can only be used by the chief.
Clan Badges are a symbol of kinship with a Highland Clan or a
Scottish Family.
In the past chiefs gave their followers a metal plate of their
crest to wear as a badge. This badge was fixed to the Clansman’s
clothing by a belt and buckle and when not in use the belt and
buckle were coiled round the crest badge.
Today, the representation of the metal plate crest badge takes
the form of the chiefs’ crest encircled by a belt and buckle with
the chief’s motto on the belt. This is the only form in which a
clansman is permitted to display his chief’s crest and its use
indicates that the wearer is a kinsman or follower of the chief
whose crest is thus shown. Only the chief and his heir wear the
crest without the strap and buckle.
 |
This
is the pipe banner carried by Major William Douglas's company piper
whilst he served in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. It depicts
his personal crest and motto. |
Any contributions will be
gratefully accepted
Errors and Omissions
|
|
The Forum
|
|
What's new?
|
We are looking for your help to improve the accuracy of The Douglas
Archives.
If you spot errors, or omissions, then
please do let us know |
|
If you have met a brick wall
with your research, then posting a notice in the Douglas Archives
Forum may be the answer. Or, it may help you find the answer!
You may also be able to help others answer their queries.
Visit the
Douglas Archives Forum.
|
|
We try to keep everyone up to date with new entries, via our
What's New section on the
home page.
We also use
the Community
Network to keep researchers abreast of developments in the
Douglas Archives. |
|
|
|
|
|
2014 Clan Douglas Gathering
|
Consideration is being given to holding a Clan Douglas
Gathering in Scotland in the summer of 2014. If this is something that
you would be interested in being part of, then please visit our
Community Network and make your views known.
You can tell us when you think the Gathering should be held, where it
should be held, and events and activities that you would like to see as
being part of the Gathering.
|
