Dec-06 Issue - The Heraldry Society

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER
OF THE HERALDRY SOCIETY REGISTERED AT STATIONERS HALL
To contact the Membership Secretary, Ingrid Phillips, write to PO Box 772, Guildford, GU3 3ZX
ISSN 0437 2980
THE HERALDRY
GAZETTE
NEW PRESIDENT FOR THE HERALDRY SOCIETY
NEW SERIES 102
December 2006
The Council of the Heraldry Society is delighted to announce that His Grace the Duke of Norfolk has agreed to
take the place of the late John Brooke-Little as President of the Society, relinquishing the post of Patron which
will remain vacant. Many members met the Duke when he was Guest of Honour at the Society's 2005 Dinner
in the Painter-Stainers Hall. We are most grateful to him for doing us the honour of consenting to become our
President.
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CANTERBURY WEEKEND
Top left: The grant of arms to Canterbury Christ Church College. Top right: The Sheriff of Canterbury, Councillor Jeanne Harrison, and
her escort flanked by David Krause and Alan Bacon the organisers. Bottom: on their arrival the Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael
Wright, and his wife (centre) accompanied by the Pro-Vice Chancellor and his wife (left) are greeted by the organisers.
The Society’s Heraldic Weekend this year was held
at Canterbury Christ Church University over the
weekend of 1st - 3rd September. Thanks are due to
David Krause and Alan Bacon for organising a
memorable and successful event.
Of course one of the main reasons for attending the
Heraldic Weekends is the opportunity to meet with
those old friends and new acquaintences who share
our passion for various aspects of heraldry. Plenty of
time was set aside for catching up with old times.
On Friday evening the weekend began with a first
rate after dinner talk by Mrs Marjorie Lyle, who
delivered a brisk and entertaining history of
Canterbury.
On Saturday morning there was a chance to
experience the glories of Canterbury Cathedral led by
Cecil Humphery-Smith and Dr Baker. The weather was
not kind to us but that didn’t seem to matter as we
were transported in our minds to the middle ages. The
magnificent heraldic cloister vault brought the tour to
a splendid and unforgettable conclusion.
The programme of lectures began on Saturday
afternoon with ‘Church Furnishings’, an illustrated
lecture by Leslie A. Smith. It is most unfortunate that
this absorbing lecture was disrupted by technical
difficulties beyond the control of the speaker or that of
the organisers.
Lectures were able to continue after a short break
in which delegates were able to view the heraldic
artwork of John Ferguson and David Hopkinson. Their
fine display with a local flavour was available
throughout the weekend and much admired by all.
Dr Louise Wilkinson of the History Department at
Christ Church University, who has a particular interest
in women in thirteenth century England and Wales,
delivered an interesting lecture on Armorial Seals for
Ladies. Her illustrated talk looked at some intriguing
aspects of the status of noblewomen reflected in their
armorial display.
The same evening all gathered for the Reception
which was honoured by the presence of The Sheriff of
Canterbury, the Vice Chancellor and the Pro-Vice
Chancellor of the University. Our guests took time to
meet as many people as possible before dinner and
showed a great interest in the Society.
The next and sadly the last day of this weekend
began with a ‘Question and Answer’ panel in which
Cecil Humphery-Smith and Dr Baker fielded questions
Visit the website at www.theheraldrysociety.com

from the audience - a blend of the serious and the
light-hearted. This forum afforded a timely and
welcome opportunity for society members to frankly
discuss some of their concerns relating to the Gazette
and the Coat of Arms.
The weekend drew steadily to its close with a lighthearted
but nevertheless thought-provoking look at
‘Creating Dragons’ by Ralph Brocklebank.
Keith Lovell finished the programme of lectures
with his well illustrated account of the ‘Armorial Arts
of the Altar’ in which the links between the Church,
patronage and the arts were discussed.
The Heraldry Society is most grateful to Lewis
Kirby, Baron Kirby of Claremont and Cecil Humphery-
Smith for their kind sponsorship of this event.
The Sheriff discusses finer points with the artists
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Cecil Humphery-Smith explains the heraldic display on the
King’s Gate of Canterbury Cathedral (illustrated top of page)
A group of delegates relaxing before dinner
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HERALDRY OF THE COMMONWEALTH - PART 2
Halifax in Nova Scotia, not to be confused with its
English counterpart, has an interesting heraldic history
as when the municipal boundaries changed so did the
City’s arms. Within this article you will be introduced
to their past and present achievements of arms as well
as to a little history as the two cannot be parted.
Halifax, NS, is the provincial capital (seat of
government) of Nova Scotia in the Dominion of
Canada and incidentally just had the first coloured
lady appointed to the office of Lt. Governor. As a
resident of the “province next door”, I look forward to
seeing her grant of arms. The city has had two arms in
a very short time; the first granted to the former city of
Halifax in 1992 and is shown below before its
boundaries increased. You will note that this
achievement does not have the traditional wreath that
is granted to municipal arms in Canada - you will see
this aspect continue into the new grant with an
interesting twist! The motto of the City reads “Wealth
from the Sea” and remains the second oldest
government motto in that province.
Full Achievement of the City of Halifax c. 1992
The method by which the city designed its arms
is truly worth talking about as it is somewhat different
to personal grants in the U.K. The city council had a
Coat of Arms committee that worked together with
their consultant and their agent in the Canadian
Heraldic Authority (CHA) to put together an
achievement that best represented their unique city.
This newly enlarged city of Halifax, which combined 4
old municipals – a fact that will be discussed further,
was granted its current achievement in 1999 and is
blazoned as:
Arms: Azure a saltire Or and a bezant merged thereon
a Kingfisher between four broad arrows points
outwards Azure in fess two sailing vessels tempore
1760 flags flying to the dexter Or.
Crest: On a mural coronet Or issuant there from a sprig
of mayflower of four blossoms proper.
Supporters: On a grassy mound Vert set dexter with
garbs Or and sinister with spruce trees Vert between
barry wavy Azure and Argent dexter a seahorse Or
gorged with a circlet set with maple leaves Vert
pendant therefrom an open book Argent holding
between its legs a staff of Argent flying therefrom the
banner of the Province of Nova Scotia proper sinister a
like seahorse similarly gorged pendant therefrom two
paddles in saltire Azure holding between its legs a
staff of Argent therefrom the banner of Halifax
Regional Municipality proper.
Motto: E MARI MERCES.
Within the arms, you will notice there is a strong
attachment to the cross of St. Andrew (the Scottish
patron saint); this was suggested by the city’s coat of
arms committee to draw attention to the strong
Scottish connection with the city due to it being the
“motherland” of many citizens of Halifax. Furthermore,
it is a reminder of the fact that the honor of provincial
capital of Nova Scotia goes to Halifax and the
provincial flag uses the cross. The other “big thing”
that you will notice in the achievement is the number
four; four was an important number as the new city
came about with four communities joining together.
The Kingfisher represents the old city of Halifax while
the ships represent the city of Dartmouth; wavy blue
lines for the county of Halifax while the broad arrows
signify the town of Bedford.
We can “pick to pieces” the achievement further to
better understand what the coat of arms committee
were trying to get across. The field of colour, blue or
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Full Achievement of the city of Halifax c. 1999

Azure represents water in general but more precisely
the sea, rivers, lakes and canal. The broad arrows do
not refer just to the former city of Dartmouth but also
to the long involvement of the authorities of the
Sovereign in local defence by both land and sea. The
Reader will notice that all items are in four so again
and independently act as a reminder of the history of
the city and therefore their achievement in its present
form.
The Kingfisher has a great deal of significance and
this was the reason for its presence in the
achievement; this symbol is widely recognized as the
oldest symbol designed as a mark of a public
government, a full 7 years before Canada was even
created by the British North America Act, in 1860.
We can now move our attention to the second most
important component of the achievement, the crest.
The first thing that we note is that it rests directly on
the shield instead of on a wreath as would be
considered normal. By doing this the designers held
on to the fact that the grant to the former city of
Halifax was an exception to the rule that
municipalities in Canada are granted wreaths. Again
we see that the mayflower, springing from the gold
mural coronet (a traditional symbol of a municipal
government) has four blossoms to remind us once
more that the city now exists due to the amalgamation
of its four pre-cursor communities.
Compartments are components that we don’t often
see in personal arms due to their use as only a place
for supporters to stand. Supporters are of course
granted to Peers and the knights of the highest orders
of Chivalry (United Kingdom) and the highest rank in
the Orders of Canada and Merit (Canada) though they
are quite common in corporate arms such as cities.
The reasoning behind the composition of Halifax’s
compartment is obvious to anyone who has been to
this wonderful city of water and forest lands. Upon
the compartment stand the two supporters; both of
which are Seahorses which clearly represent the seagoing
history of this area of the country. The
Seahorses have around their necks green maple leaf
coronets – the maple leaf being a national Canadian
symbol as Halifax has in Canada’s past been of great
importance to her national defence and in later years
a key high tech industrial centre. You will notice that
on the sinister supporter there are paddles. These are
a unique symbol of the native people of Nova Scotia
called Micmac First Peoples.
People interested in the First Nations Peoples and
their effect on Canadian heraldry will have a treat
E-mail the editor at heraldry.gazette@mac.com
when I write an article on Canada’s newest province.
So my travels continue and I am already
considering what province to talk about next; maybe
one with a more European flavour - or will it be one
with a form of heraldry that we, in the United
Kingdom do not see!
Paul J. Langan
THE EXAMINATIONS BOARD
At its last meeting Council learned with regret of the
decision of Ken Porter to stand down as Chairman of
the Society's
Examinations Board.
Warm appreciation
was expressed for Mr
Porter's work in this
capacity over a
number of years, and
in particular for the
great amount of work
he had done in
connection with the
accreditation of the
Society's Diploma.
Martin Davies has been
appointed to succeed Mr
Porter as Chairman of the
Examinations Board. Mr
Davies is a former
Chairman of the Society
and is already a member
of the Examinations
Board. Council wishes
him well in this
important job.
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The 27th International Congress of Genealogical
and Heraldic Sciences was held in St Andrews, Fife,
from 21st to 26th August.. For those with the
necessary access, there is an excellent description with
lots of stunning pictures on the dedicated website
www.congress2006.com, but for those without, here is
a summary of a few highlights.
The opening ceremony was a fascinating pageant
including dozens of dignitaries headed by the
Chancellor of St Andrews University, Sir Menzies
Campbell, and culminating in the Patron, the Princess
Royal, who spoke perceptively in French and English
about the theme of the Congress, Myth and
Propaganda, whereas most of the other official
addresses were given in Latin, with translations
provided on the printed programme. During the
CONGRESS 2006
proceedings, the Lord Lyon presented the University
with a new Grant of Arms adding a crest and
supporters to their existing shield (which was hugely
evident all over the town on every one of their
buildings). After the formalities, which included mass
singing and an organ recital among other diversions,
the whole assemblage proceeded to march in
procession through the town, with many flags and
banners flying above dozens of colourful costumes,
not only Scottish national dress but a goodly number
of heraldic tabards. There were twenty-five Heralds
present (counting in Pursuivants) from eleven different
countries, and they were all invited by Lord Lyon to a
dinner in the evening, when this picture {not on the
website) was taken, probably the greatest gathering of
heralds ever seen.
Front row: Alastair Bruce of Crionach, Fitzalan Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary; Marcel van Rossum, Deputy State Herald of South
Africa;
Second row: Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald; Clive Cheesman, Rouge Dragon Pursuivant; Claire Boudreau, St Laurent Herald and
Deputy Chief Herald of Canada; Elizabeth Roads, Lyon Clerk and Carrick Pursuivant; Cathy Sabourin, Fraser Herald; David Lumsden,
Garioch Pursuivant to the Countess of Mar; Hubert Chesshyre, Clarenceux King of Arms;
Third row: Robert Watt, Chief Herald of Canada; Adam Bruce, Finlaggan Pursuivant to the Lord Macdonald Andre
Vandewalle, Flanders Herald; Robin Blair, Lord Lyon King of Arms; Georgy Vilinbakhov, State Herald of Russia; Nils Bartholdy, State
Archivist of Denmark; Charles Burnett, Ross Herald;
Fourth row: Micheal O’Comain, Irish Herald; Ladislav Vrtel, State Herald of the Slovak Republic; The Hon Alexander Lindsay, Endure
Pursuivant to the Earl of Crawford; Themba Mabaso, State Herald of South Africa; Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald; Henrick
Klackenberg, State Herald of Sweden; David Sellar, Bute Pursuivant (standing a little behind); Lars Tangeraas, State Herald of Norway.
Missing from the picture, though he was present in the parade in his distinctive tabard: Peter Drummond-Murray of Mastrick, Slains
Pursuivant to the Earl of Errol.
Items for inclusion in the Gazette post to: The Editor, The Heraldry Gazette, at the address given on
page 9, or e-mail to: heraldry.gazette@mac.com

The programme of papers will appear in due course
in the Proceedings, and though it was possible to
attend only a select few, one or two of the highlights
were Jean-Claude Muller’s account of Sigmund’s Order
of the Dragon, James Floyd’s description of the
corporate heraldry of finance, Adrian Ailes on Heralds,
Myths and Legends in 16th and 17th century England
and Wales, James Dempster’s excursion into 15th
century heraldic propaganda – “The Specht was a
Pursevant” (the specht or spight turned out to be a
woodpecker), Micheal O’Comain on Confirmation of
Irish Arms, Katie Stevenson on Snowdon Herald and
the cult of chivalry, David Appleton on the Book of St
Albans, and, a bit of a warning, this one, Martin
Sunnquist on how brand management is stifling
heraldic expression in Sweden.
Entertainments included a day trip to Edinburgh,
walkabouts with Leslie Hodgson of the town of St
Andrews and its cathedral, evenings of Scottish music,
dancing and whisky-tasting and a sumptuous banquet
with piping the haggis and other delights, and an
open day with large numbers of bookstalls and similar
temptations.
For heraldists, the outstanding feature of the week
was the artists’ studio organised by Romilly Squire,
with ongoing work by a number of experts from
different countries. Delegates were invited to vote for
their choice of the most excellent overall exhibition of
heraldic art, and the winner of the newly-inaugurated
Barden Prize was Neil Bromley. The artists had been
asked to devise and present a novel fabulous beast,
and Neil’s offering was certainly an unusual
composition, though it was not just this that won him
the prize. Other odd beasts presented were a
gladiatorially-armoured warthog/lion crushing a seaeagle/serpent
beneath his feet, by Gavin Schlemmer
from South Africa, and a composite
hyena/raccoon/lynx representing “the thief of time”
by Cathy Sabourin from Canada, sadly not finished in
the time available, but showing promise.
At the banquet, the Moffarts Prize for Heraldic Art
was presented to Mark Dennis. The task had been to
design arms for an imaginary Association of Nobel
Laureates, and Mark’s stunningly simple, beautiful,
imaginative and meaningful solution is so good that
this Association should be formed straight away, so as
not to waste this superb piece of heraldry. In fact,
Mark was not only Secretary General to the Congress,
doing much of the planning and organising, but he
also contributed a great deal of artwork, from the
congress emblem to exemplifications of the arms of
various official bodies and sponsors. His whole
contribution amounted to an outstanding triumph,
but among the many members of The Heraldry Society
of Scotland who helped to make the Congress the
success it was, special mention must be made of the
Administrator, Val Casely, who worked unceasingly to
keep everything flowing smoothly, so that every
delegate could get the maximum value from
attending. Huge thanks are due to the whole team,
and the organisers of the next Congress, in Quebec in
2008, will have a hard task to match the excellence
of this one.
R B
(Picture and list of names kindly supplied by Elizabeth
Roads.)
THE HERALDRY SOCIETY HERALDIC WEEKEND 2008
At the recent autumn meeting of the Council it was
learnt that both David Krause and Alan Bacon had
tendered their resignations from the Congress
Committee after many years of valuable and sterling
service to the Society in shouldering the weight of
planning, organizing and putting in effect many of the
weekends and other conferences that the Society has
sponsored over the years. The Council expressed its
thanks to them for their hard work in this connection.
Further, the Council has appointed John and Jane
Tunesi of Liongam to be the new Congress Committee.
Presently, as the new Congress Committee live
close to Cambridge, it is envisaged that the September
2008 weekend will take place in that city at a venue
yet to be decided. Cambridge as a venue for the
weekend offers the delegates attending a wealth of
heraldry to be seen both within and without of the
university’s ancient and modern colleges and much
else besides. It also offers good transport connections
from all parts of the country by road, rail and plane.
The Congress Committee are at present making
enquiries with regards to likely venues and prices for
the weekend; developing a possible theme and
thereafter seeking out potential speakers to support
such a theme. The Committee intend to keep the
membership of the Society informed of its plans
through the pages of the Gazette.
Items for inclusion in the Gazette: post to the Editor, The Heraldry Gazette, at the address given on
page 9 or by e-mail to heraldry.gazette@mac.com
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One of the most frequently reproduced (but
perhaps, for this reason, most rarely noticed) examples
of heraldry is the representation of the royal arms on
the masthead titles of newspapers. The Times has one
of the most prominent and in a recent article Sally
Baker drew on the newspaper’s archives to explain its
history.
When John Walter first published the paper on 1
January 1785, under the title The Daily Universal
Register, he used the royal coat of arms as part of the
masthead because Printing House Square, the site
from which the paper was published, had originally
been the site of the King’s Printing House and the
building bore the royal coat of arms on its pediment.
There was no patent or warrant for its use but a
tradition of newspapers using the royal coat of arms
had already been established.
The coat of arms used by The Daily Universal
Register (and from 1788, by The Times) was essentially
that of Georges I, II and III. As the royal arms changed
so did those appearing on the newspaper and until
1932 they were those of the reigning monarch.
However, on 3 October 1932, The Times introduced
the revolutionary Times New Roman typeface to the
world and took the opportunity to include a reference
to the paper’s birth by reviving the coat of arms used
on the first issue. This remained the position until
We welcome the following new members:
J. Goldsmith London
I. King Northants
S. J. Bing Devon
E. Angell-Parsons Staffordshire
S. Meakin East Sussex
W. Adam Cambridge
A. Moore Sheffield
J. S. F. McLean U.S.A.
C. D. Pritchett U.S.A.
A. Valarezo-Duenas U.S.A.
A. P. Sims Norfolk
P. Walesby Hereford
C. Steer Newbury
NEWSPAPER MASTHEAD HERALDRY
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
1953, Coronation year, when the coat of arms of the
reigning monarch returned to the masthead.
On 3 May 1966 in a momentous change of format
The Times began to print news regularly on its front
page in place of classified advertisements. As part of
the overall redesign of the newspaper the royal coat of
arms was dropped altogether. In a letter published in
the paper the following day, Sir Anthony Wagner,
Garter King of Arms, congratulated The Times on its
disappearance “which so long and misleadingly
suggested that The Times had an official character. It
is to be hoped that those newspapers which still
continue this 18th-century solecism will now follow
your example and drop it”
However the arms were reinstated on 30 July 1981
to commemorate the wedding of the Prince and
Princess of Wales. On January 1982 they reverted once
more to the “out of date” early Hanoverian coat of
arms in the light of the approaching bicentenary of
the paper and a feeling that it would be more
appropriate to use the original arms from the period
when the paper was founded. These arms were
recently re-drawn by the wood engraver Edwina Ellis
and from 20 November the new form (shown above)
has appeared on the thousands of copies of the
newspaper distributed around the world.
Martin Davies
M. Hawtin Leeds
S. Leonov Kazakhstan
W. Jeffcock Monaco
M. Holmes, Hon. FHS rejoined
Visit the website at www.theheraldrysociety.com
PLEASE NOTE:
The next deadline for contributions to the
Gazette is
1st February

HERALDRY SOCIETY
EXAMINATIONS 2006
The Examinations Board is pleased to announce that
7 out of 9 candidates in this year’s written
examinations were successful, with one achieving a
PASS-WITH-CREDIT.
INTERMEDIATE EXAMINATION
DAVID T BOVEN (USA) -- PASS-WITH-CREDIT
JASON HICKMAN (USA)
ELEMENTARY EXAMINATION
HUGH L BRADY (USA)
JASON HICKMAN (USA)
PAUL JAMES LANGAN (UK/Canada)
JORGE LUIS RIVERA (USA)
STEPHEN MICHAEL SZABO (Australia)
The Board hopes that the candidates will progress
further successfully. It was pleasing to see our overseas
friends so well represented. Next year can we have
their numbers matched by Britons ?
The examinations are open to non-members as well as
to members of our Society.
For those wishing to enter the 2007 written
examinations the last date for entry is 30 April 2007.
K A Porter, Hon. Chairman, Examinations Board
2007 ANNIVERSARY LUNCH
The 2007 Anniversary Lunch will be held at the Royal
Air Force Club, 128 Piccadilly, London W1 on Thursday
22nd February at 12.30 for 1 p.m. We are moving to
the Royal Air Force Club after many years at the New
Cavendish Club. We expect the surroundings to be
more congenial and convenient, and our thanks go to
member James Pettigrew for facilitating the move. The
price charged last year will be maintained for the
2007 event, that is £40 for members and £42 for
guests. The guest speaker will be Thomas Woodcock,
Norroy and Ulster King of Arms. We hope for a good
attendance. A booking form is enclosed with this
issue.
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PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF EMAIL
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SUBSCRIPTIONS
Have YOU revised your
subscription standing
order?
Only ONE THIRD of the Society membership
has so far completed a form and sent it to the
membership secretary. If you are one of those
who have not yet done so, please help the
Society to reduce costs by sending your new
standing order as a matter of urgency.
THE NEW SUBSCRIPTION RATES FOR JANUARY
2007 WERE ANNOUNCED IN THE MARCH
ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE
E-mail the editor at heraldry.gazette@mac.com 9

10
THE FUNERAL OF THE KING OF TONGA
The funeral of Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, King of Tonga for 41 years, took place with great ceremony on 19
September.
The coffin was draped with a flag of the Tonga royal and national arms (ko e Sila ’o Tonga) which had been
designed in 1875 with the creation of the new constitution. The three swords represent the three dynasties or
lines of the kings of Tonga, namely the Tu’i Tonga, Tu’i Ha’atakalaua and the current Tu’i Kanokupolu. Tonga
was finally united under one king, King Siaosi Tupou I who then orchestrated the formation of the first formal
government and the design of the coat of arms. The dove with the olive branch symbolises the wish for God's
peace to reign in Tonga forever. The three stars symbolise the main island groups of Tonga, which are Tongatapu,
Vava’u and Ha’apai. The crown represents the monarchy. The motto Ko e ‘Otua mo Tonga ko hoku tofi’a means
“God and Tonga are my inheritance”.
The national flag is used in the design as a form of mantling. In the first assembly of the Tonga parliament
in 1862, King Tupou I called for propositions for the design of a national flag. After a long discussion he laid
open his own conception about the flag: "It is my wish that our flag contains the cross of Jesus and that the
flag is of red colour to bring to expression the blood which was shed on the cross for our redemption." First
designs for a flag featured a red cross on a plain white background but this was too similar to the flag of the
International Red Cross and the current design was later adopted.
The late king, through a sometimes controversial reign, was much loved by his people. He succeeded his
mother Queen Salote (whose cheerful disposition in the rain had made such an impression at the coronation in
1953) and held the GCMG, GCVO and KBE in addition to many other honours.
MD
Left: The
flag-draped
coffin of
the King.
Right: The
Tongan
Royal
Palace
E-mail the editor at heraldry.gazette@mac.com

The Royal Heraldry Society of Canada marked its
40th Anniversary with a weekend in Ottawa, from
29th September to 1st October 2006, starting on the
Friday with the Beley Lecture given by Claire Boudreau,
St Laurent Herald and recently appointed Deputy
Chief Herald of Canada. She summed up over ten
years of research into 14th-16th century heraldic
treatises with an impressive statistical summary
accompanied by intriguing insights into the mindset of
their authors, illustrated with plentiful excerpts from
their output. We then had a showing of the DVD “A
Call to Arms,” prepared by Peter Hannen, a truly
excellent introduction to the whole subject of heraldry.
At the business meeting on Saturday morning we
learned among other things that the Society is
continuing to grow, with a membership nearing 500,
and that their quarterly newsletter, The Gonfanon,
under its new Editor, Jonathan Good, is now a fullyfledged
journal of 16 pages, all in colour, comparing
well with the best in the field. Their other periodical,
Heraldry in Canada, will now become a substantial
annual journal with the first of the new series due out
in December. Three new members were elected to the
Board, all fairly young, promising well for the future,
and Kevin Greaves, retiring as President after five and
a half years in office during which he had achieved
marvels for the Society, was replaced by Allan Bird.
The colloquium opened with a paper by Darren
George on Chemistry in Heraldry, which surprised us
by claiming that they both had their origins in
Alchemy. For this, some evidence was given, followed
by a survey through the ages covering the arms of
CANADIAN CELEBRATION
eminent chemists, chemical societies and the like.
Next came a brief introduction to the origin of
fabulous beasts, and then an outstanding contribution
from D’Arcy Boulton giving his ideas for the thorough
Canadianization of the arms of Canada, illustrated
with his own superbly crafted drawings. One detail
was his suggestion for a fully Canadian crown, with
maple leaves replacing the crosses in the British
Imperial crown but retaining the fleur-de-lys as an
indication of the French heritage.
In the afternoon we had a tour of the Parliament
buildings, conducted by Bruce Patterson, Saguenay
Herald. The architecture is all in the high Gothic
Revival style, in contrast to the classical style favoured
by their republican neighbours to the south, and is
enriched with copious carvings and heraldry, very
much influenced by the Palace of Westminster, but
outdoing it in scale and magnificence of decoration.
The evening banquet in the splendid Rideau Club
was highlighted by a lucid presentation by Fergus
Gillespie, Chief Herald of Ireland, on the history of the
Office of Arms in Dublin, both perceptive and
entertaining. Afterwards, amid various diversions,
grants of arms were presented to Claire Boudreau and
to Francois Payeur, one of the new board members.
The weekend ended with a visit to the new
National War Museum, where there were plenty of
military badges and insignia to be seen. On the whole,
the three days of celebration demonstrated that
heraldry is alive and strong in Canada.
R B
Visit the website at www.theheraldrysociety.com 11

12
SACRAL MYSTERY OF JAPANESE SIGNS
“Yes, distance between the perception of Europe's
and Japan's resident is huge.
But the greater is the mystery of Japan and the more
astonishing are the discoveries of a person who is
discovering this mystery.”
(Herai. “Japanese Tales about the things that are not
quite usual,” Moscow, 1991, P.4)
Japanese culture and everyday life, history and
society are rather well known in the world in general
and in the CIS countries in particular. However, such
an interesting part of Japanese history and culture as
its heraldic tradition is still one of the most mysterious
aspects of this nation's spirit, its incredible uniqueness
and “ability to see eternity in a flower bud." (Japanese
haiku poetry, 16 - 17th centuries). It is challenging to
write about. It has received very controversial
interpretations from European and Russian authors.
The Japanese heraldic system, on the other hand, is a
well-developed, unique and deeply traditional national
system of signs and symbols that reflects the spiritual
wealth and diversity of the country's artistic life.
We tend to refer to this heraldic system as an art
because in the European tradition the Japanese
heraldic system is still considered an area of traditional
art rather than what it has been for over eight
centuries. That is why it is not widely studied by
experts. Art critics think that it is just a form of
traditional Japanese miniature that usually strikes
people with its graphic elegance and the astonishing
simplicity of expression of an heraldic idea .
This is what Georgiy Vilinbahov, one of the most
acclaimed authorities in the Russian heraldic studies,
thinks about it: “Heraldic systems in general are rather
complicated. For example, what do samurai signs
mean from the point of view of modern European
studies? Nonsense. However, each samurai clan has its
own sign that is inherited. These signs can be found on
kimonos, weapons and utensils. You could also find
them above the entrance to their houses and in other
places. It performs the function of a European
emblem, although it is usually stylized as a piece of
Japanese culture and art. The Japanese language is as
different from any European language as the Japanese
heraldic system is different from the European one."
(“State and Symbol," Interview with the major heraldic
specialist of Russia, Georgiy Vilinbahov. Independent
Newspaper. 16.06.2000).
"It is hard for Europeans to comprehend the
function of Japanese family emblems. An emblem is
not only a sign or a decoration of its owner. It
embodies his faith and philosophy. It can be used as a
meditation tool. The emblem contains a general
concept of the world and the family's aesthetic
program." (V. Sitnikov. Gerboved. #20, August 1997,
"Japanese heraldic systems." Moscow). They are
symbols that remind us of heraldic emblems,
according to "The Guinness Encyclopedia of Signs &
Symbols" by John Foley, or a simple Japanese family
sign. (V. Sitnikov, "Japanese Heraldic Systems." )
Interestingly, we can compare the style of Japanese
symbols with the famous Japanese haiku poems. The
themes of both are rather similar. They both have a
visual simplicity and delicate form that requires special
talent and "some unusual view of the world, detached
and at the same time attentive and sensitive."
(“Haiku. Japanese Poetry, 16 - 17th Centuries,” Saint
Petersburg, Neva, 2002).
Like Japan's poetry the heraldic system of this
country has been simple. They are both a part of the
specific spiritual practice that aims at achieving a state
of harmony between nature, the Godly aura that feeds
it and the images created by the artist.
Interestingly, the Japanese heraldic system is the
only system of this kind outside Europe. This makes it
not simply unique but deserving special research in
comparison with the more well known art systems. The
Japanese had created their heraldic (or "mon" )
system by the 12th century, according to several
experts in the field. “ A Heraldic symbol aims at
differentiating a person of your clan from a stranger.
Inside the social system there is a hierarchy of titles.
Herein is its true function. Then follow the
interpretations that may change in time, which often
appear intriguing, mysterious and beautiful. However,
they are secondary to its main function." (G.
Vilinbahov).
Unlike heraldry in Europe, the sign system in Japan
first depicted the clan structure of society, though in
the beginning symbols were closely related to specific
owners and used for differentiating the members of
the wealthiest and noblest families. “The Japanese
always emphasise that they belong to a certain clan.
They also emphasise their position in it. Without this
knowledge it is hard for them to communicate with
each other. This is why the procedure of mutual
introductions is so important." (A Branch of a Sakura
Tree." V. Ovchinnikov, Moscow, Molodaya Gvardiya,
Visit the website at www.theheraldrysociety.com

1971).
Some also think that in several European languages
"mon" is erroneously translated as an emblem,
although these symbols (or extremely "stylized signs,"
according to D. Foley) are not considered emblems in
the European meaning of this word. First, an emblem
motif came from the family name and evoked the
associations that were related to it.
(V. Sitnikov, "Japanese Clans'
Heraldic Systems.")
However, during the middle ages
European and "mon" systems have
had something in common too (the
elements of their masters appeared
fig.1
on the samurai and servants’ clothes.
(fig.1)
Later the image of one of the
"mon" (a red sun on a white bandana) became a
symbol of Japanese soldiers and later all Japanese
people. According
to John Foley and
"International
Heraldic Systems"
by L. Pine, the
earliest record of
using "mon" was
made in 1156
when two
competing clans
fig.3
emblazoned them
on their banners.
(fig.2)
By the end of the next century the
fig.2
positioning of the heraldic signs was
restricted: you were only allowed to
depict it on your sleeves, back and
chest. This rule was later modified so
that "mon" could
once be placed on the
back and once on each
sleeve. ("Encyclopedia
of Signs and Symbols," 1996, P.
213). (fig.3)
A European traveller who was the
first to notice the way the Japanese
emblems were positioned said, "The
clothes of those from the low class in
Japan are made from canvas and
calico; those who belong to high
classes wear silk fabrics with family
emblems embroidered on their backs
fig.4
and chests. Emblems are sometimes also embroidered
on the sleeves and between the shoulders." (F. Zibold,
"The Impressions of Japan of the Travelers in the later
17 early 19 century" published in "The Book of
Japanese Routine," Moscow, 1999, P. 322). There are
also some engravings that demonstrate that these
signs were also placed on helmets, shields and chest
armour of samurai clothes. (fig.4) The difference
between them and European emblems is in the fact
that Japanese "mon" had never been as large as the
E u r o p e a n
heraldic signs
because only the
latter were
supposed to be
recognizable at
great distances.
To achieve this
purpose the
symbol was
placed on flags.
(fig.5)
Later on, similarly to the European emblems,
"mon" were
used to decorate
clothes, textiles
and furniture.
Emblems turned
into an integral
part of Japanese
everyday life
and formed the
official national
fig.6
fig.5
o r n a m e n t a l
design. (fig.6)
Just like in Europe, in Japan there were certain legal
norms that regulated the design of an emblem. Both
hereditary heraldic systems emerged independently of
each other. However, they evolved similarly, which was
not surprising because the feudal societies developed
according to one algorithm.
The final rules concerning the design of emblems
were established in 1642 when a war dictator or
segun lemitsu issued a decree that made all the
aristocratic families register at least two "mon" signs:
one was supposed to be the major one, yomon,
designed for important ceremonies; the other was
intended for less significant functions — kiemon.
Unlike in Europe, heraldic signs in Japan were used by
merchants, scholars, priests and even actors. This
phenomenon was illustrated in a Japanese haiku of
E-mail the editor at heraldry.gazette@mac.com 13

14
the time. :
"On white canvas
haori
with a tough thread I will sew on
A crane."
fig.7 fig.8
Haori is a simple jacket made of a tough fabric. It is a
commoner's type of clothing. The crane is a common
emblem that is usually placed in a circle. The
simplicity of this emblem on inexpensive clothes
emphasizes the fact that the poem's character is
really simple. Mention of a tough thread completes
this image.
The period of Japanese history called the "Madzi
restoration" or the period of enlightenment started in
1868 and ended in 1911. It opened the country to
foreigners and made all Japanese use their
patronymics. Until then it was the prerogative of
society's elite. Besides, many also assumed a sign
that was inherited by subsequent generations
through the eldest son in the family. Other sons chose
signs for themselves. As a result, there existed
multiple variations of the same emblem and heraldic
system. (fig.9)
fig.9
Another example is the emblem of the emperor's
family, a chrysanthemum with 16 petals.
(figs.10 & 11)
fig.10 fig.11
“Chrysanthemum
Half opened the buds
And a moth froze over it
For an instant."
As with European royal families, younger members
of the Japanese Emperor's family used a mon that
was modified according to certain rules (in
chrysanthemums of the emperor's brothers and
sisters there were supposed to be exactly 14 petals).
Another emperor's "mon" — "Pavlonia" — (named
after Anna Pavlovna, the daughter of the Russian
emperor, Paul I) conveys the blooming of the spring
tree. It is usually embossed on 500-yen coins and also
serves as the symbol of the Japanese parliament.
(fig.12)
fig.12
As was said before, “mon" are depicted on
Japanese flags as well. The most famous of them is
the red sun image of the national flag. It is called "hi
no maru," which means sun circle. It is a recognizable
graphic image of the "country of the rising sun."
(fig.13)
fig.13
Both Japanese and European heraldic systems went
through the stage of the so-called "knight era" and
are widely used nowadays. Today, you can see "mon"
on anything that belongs to a Japanese family,
including furniture and things used in their everyday
lives.
An interesting example of the different uses of the
emblems is provided in the alternative statements by
Foley who said that “mon" are never worn for
weddings, funerals and hara-kiri" and a famous Soviet
journalist Vsevolod Ovchinnikov who mentions that
"one can see a traditional gown during the most
Items for inclusion in the Gazette: post to the Editor, The Heraldry Gazette, at the address given on
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festive ceremonies — a black kimono decorated with
white clans' emblems" ("A Branch of a Sakura Tree”).
During the period of their emergence Japanese
symbols were differently shaped. Later, however, they
became symmetrical; in many cases the shape was a
circle, though you could also see signs that were
shaped as a semicircle, square or a rectangle. (fig.14)
"The love of symmetry and geometrical logic of
images was important. We encounter it a lot in
oriental art." (G. Vilinbahov).
fig.14
As for images, figures and ornaments, there were
no restrictions here at all. “The images of botanical
and geometrical shapes were most popular. However,
one can often see Japanese fauna species in emblems
as well including centipedes, lobsters, cranes and a
mythical bird Phoenix," (D. Foley). (fig.15)
fig.15
Some emblems are stylized Chinese or Japanese
characters. Sometimes they depict weapons as in
European heraldic systems. They use religious symbols
also, for example, three petals of a rose of the
Tokugava dynasty that ruled Japan between 1615 and
1867. (fig.16)
fig.16
Some Christian families placed a cross on their
emblems. (fig.17)
fig.17
Until recently you could rarely see "mon" in the West.
However, nowadays you can see them more and more
often due to Japan's active business practices. You
can see them in both their initial form and in the form
that was adapted to European tastes. A clear example
is the Mitsubishi trademark. (fig.18)
fig.18
The design of the company's logo is based on the
family emblems of two clans (three leaves of the water
chestnut tree that belong to the Ivasaki clan and three
oak tree leaves of the Tosa clan). "Competing
companies now replace competing clans, and the
kimono emblems are now substituted by these
companies' pins that are usually worn by the
companies' employees on their jacket lapels." (V.
Ovchinnikov. “A Branch of a Sakura Tree”).
Thus, centuries of evolution of Japanese emblems
is not over yet. Many families in this country continue
to use them in their everyday lives. The number of
variations of "mon" now ranges from four to five
thousand designs. However, the majority of them
stem from the major 250 emblems of mediaeval
signs.
Sergey Leonov
REFERENCES
1. John Foley. The Guinness Encyclopedia of Signs &
Symbols.
2. The Book of Japanese Routine. Compiled by A.M.
Mesheryakov. Moscow, Natalis, 1999.
3. Japanese Legends about Things that are not Quite
Usual," Moscow, Center PRO, 1991.
4. Haiku. Japanese Poetry of the 16 - 17 Centuries."
St. Petersburg. Neva, 2002.
5. Heraldic systems Specialist. # 20, August 1997.
Moscow. Moscow, Molodaya Gvardiya. 1971.
7. Independent Newspaper. 16.06.2000, “State and
Symbol,"Interview with the major heraldic
specialist of Russia, G. Vilinbahov.
EDITOR’S NOTE
The first part of Mr Leonov’s article was printed
incorrectly in the September issue of the Heraldry
Gazette. With sincere apologies to the author the
complete article is printed in full.
Visit the website at www.theheraldrysociety.com 15

16
ALMANAC OF EVENTS JANUARY TO MARCH 2007
Jan 8 Lancashire Ecclesiastical Arms Derrick Walkden
17 Heraldry Society Artistry in Heraldry:
Setting Arms in Stone
At the Society of Antiquaries
Lida Cardozo Kindersley
20 Bath Water in Heraldry Michael Messer
31 Yorkshire Lady Anne Clifford Janet Senior
Feb 3 Middlesex British Flags - an Introduction Graham Bartram
5 Lancashire Good times - Bard times John Mackie
17 Bath Animals in Heraldry Arline Fisher
21 Heraldry Society New Applications of Heraldry:
Armoured Vehicle Markings
Michael Taylor
At the Royal Society of Chemistry
22 Heraldry Society The Anniversary Lunch
At the Royal Air Force Club
24 Chiltern Bedlam in Archives and Heraldry J Michael Phillips
28 Yorkshire Royal Standards of the United Kingdom Michael Faul
Mar 5 Lancashire AGM John Mackie
7 Norfolk AGM
14 Yorkshire Committee Meeting
17 Bath Shakespeare’s Heraldry Cynthia Lydiard
Cannings
21 Heraldry Society The John Brooke-Little Memorial Lecture:
Heraldry Ancient and Modern in the Catholic Church
At the Swedenborg Society
Dr Malcolm Golin
24 Middlesex with
Chiltern
Animals in Heraldry Arline Fisher
28 Yorkshire Family History Kath Aldred
30 Heraldry Society Visit: Firepower! The Royal Artillery Museum, Woolwich
Please note that other heraldic events take place. This is not an exhaustive list. If you would like your events
to appear please send details to: heraldry.gazette@mac.com, including in the subject line - almanac entry.
HERALDRY SOCIETY LECTURE LOCATIONS 2007
During the refurbishment of the Society of Antiquaries, lectures will be held at:
The Swedenborg Society
20/21 Bloomsbury Way
(Underground: Tottenham Court Road or Holborn)
The Royal Air Force Club
128 Piccadilly, London, W1
(nearest Underground station: Hyde Park Corner,
Piccadilly Line)
The Royal Society of Chemistry
Burlington House
Piccadilly
(Opposite the Society of Antiquaries)
Visit the website at www.theheraldrysociety.com

Visit the website at www.theheraldrysociety.com 17

18
The Cheshire Hunt Club
I recently visited The Swan Hotel in Tarporley,
Cheshire and was fortunate enough to see the famous
Hunt Room where there is a collection of gold leafed
boards bearing the names and arms of all the
Presidents of the Cheshire Hunt Club since approx
1762. Could any member give me some information
on this wonderful collection of painted arms or tell me
if there is any printed literature on it, I enclose a
photograph of one of the boards (see above).
Arline Fisher
Change or die
Just look at the obituary columns of the journals of
the heraldry societies worldwide. They are littered with
the finest notable members passing into the next
world leaving behind them a lifelong legacy of
heraldry. These pillars of the heraldic world are being
lost at an ever increasing rate. As the time passes more
are sadly lost and are not replaced.
CORRESPONDENCE
This is just the problem, this is a classic cause and
effect scenario, the heraldic world is no exception,
other learned societies are in the same boat. The
societies whose love of heraldry knows no bounds are
faced with a crisis, a choice. Change or die.
In this modern age of snappy slogans and lavishly
coloured and designed logos, a by-product of
commercialism, there are PR agencies amongst PR
agencies aching to design and redesign the corporate
image of anyone who can pay for it, a new career has
been created especially for this task, image
consultants, the heralds of the modern era.
Among the learned world the old London societies
are ditching their coat of arms for slick stylisations of
their names - like the Royal Institution. I am not
criticising the marvellous institution for doing so, I am
making reference to the fact that they are realising, to
ensure guaranteed survival they must reform. The
buildings in Albemarle Street are undergoing massive
building works, this is replicated across the long
established Burlington House, Piccadilly, where many
societies are based and the heraldry society lectures
are held. The London societies are shunning their
perceived stuffy pasts for a brighter more open future.
I am not condemning any society, they run their
own affairs quite well and are excellent centres for like
minded people to share thoughts and ideas, an adult
educational melting pot. Unlike the traditional
educational institutions one can enjoy the added
bonus of a splendid lunch.
All of this is rather off the topic of heraldry,
however it is relevant in such that the heraldry society
needs to like other local and international heraldic
societies - needs to reform at a faster rate. Thankfully
it has recognised this; its website is a splendid
addition to the vast heraldic resources on the web - a
step in the right direction. Everything is digitised and
the College of Arms has recently received a gift of a
scanner from the White Lion Society, again another
step in the right direction.
So, my question is - what lies in store for heraldry?
All of these reforms are rather charming but the
quintessential ingredient in the recipe for success is
the number of members who share the passion for
heraldry. We need to increase the membership base
of the Heraldry Society to ensure its survival. An influx
of youth is of particular importance for long term
survival.
Visit the website at www.theheraldrysociety.com

Youth is always a political hot potato amongst the
older generations; I am still in my teens and I find
heraldry fascinating. What more could anyone want
out of a hobby? It is portable, non offensive, colourful,
historically important and international in the sense
that the language of heraldry is almost universal! The
looming membership crisis must not be ignored. I
recently, over a swift half in a local public house met
a dear friend (who was still in his teens I might add!),
the subject of history came into the conversation. I of
course promoted the society and his eyes lit up, he was
as keen as could be. This is our target market, we have
everything to offer and with the right PR we could
increase the membership base dramatically. Go on,
spread the word, and give the gift of heraldry society
membership to someone.
Vive la revolution!
Paul T O’Leary
Why isn’t heraldry sexy?
Can anyone walk into the chapel of one of the
great orders of knighthood and not be overwhelmed
by its chivalric splendour? Can anyone walk into a
country church and not be delighted by the dynastic
display of tombs, hatchments and banners?
So why is it that – while genealogy has prime-time
coverage on television – heraldry has become a
Cinderella? I give occasional presentations to heraldry
societies. They all complain of aging membership,
falling rolls. I have my bus pass – legally I am an
antique – but I often seem to be the youngest in the
room.
It seems incredible that, for instance, the Middlesex
Heraldry Society (whose catchment includes all of
Greater London), the Chiltern Heraldry Group (the
whole lower Thames Valley region) and even, would
you believe, the Yorkshire Heraldry Society (whose
area of interest is half of northern England) all say the
same.
Perhaps the most cheering news is the reawakening
of the Oxford University Heraldry Society, and the
continuing vigour of its Cambridge counterpart.
But how do we persuade the rest of the world to let
a little of this colour back into their lives? Get the
Heralds to open the Olympics? Have one of the great
fashion houses – or even an Oxford Street store –
launch a fad for personalised tabards? Should we all
paint our cars (or bikes) with our personal arms? Or
perhaps we need an exhibition on mediaeval warfare;
would the Imperial War Museum be interested?
May I suggest two small contributions we may all
make? Look at the links pages on the Society’s
website. If there is a local society nearby, make
contact. And if you are a genealogist, or know the
local Family History Society, show them how heraldry
offers keys to their discipline, as well as vice versa.
Andrew Gray, Image Librarian
Save the little black Dolphin
The arms of the University of Sussex
The last Corporate Award of the Heraldry Society
prominently featured a nomination of a wooden
spoon for the University of Sussex for changing their
arms to a logo. As an undergraduate of the said
University I am naturally distressed that we have been
honoured with this dubious prize. Not that I do not
wholeheartedly agree with the nomination - it is just a
shame that the university has dropped its coat of arms
for something that looks like a logo on a pair of
plimsolls. Yes, I know, the logo has won prizes and has
been praised throughout the graphic designs industry,
but we are dealing with a centre of study and research
not with a limited company.
The logo
To this end I am planning to found a Sussex
University Heraldry Society to promote heraldry in
general and the university’s arms in particular. The
society plans to “adopt” the university’s arms as the
rightful parents have abandoned their offspring.
The Arms are still to be seen on road signs, inside
some of the library books, on the cars of the
University’s fleet and on the security guards’ uniform
The deadline for contributions to the next Gazette is 1st February 19

ut official documents, notices, the prospectus etc.
have been denied the satisfaction of a heraldic display.
Although a small society won’t be able to reverse the
great expense and effort the University has gone into
to create a new “image”, I hope that we will be able to
preserve what little heraldry is left on the campus and
further the usage of the arms of the university.
Naturally the university’s heraldry would not be the
only topic with which the society would concern itself.
Would anyone interested in heraldry and who is
associated with the university, be they current or
20
former students or staff, please contact me and we will
see if we can do something to further the cause of the
little black dolphin on the university arms. Should we
be successful in founding a society Mr. Robert J. B.
Noel, Lancaster Herald, has agreed to act as the
society’s patron.
John F. Mueller
Norwich House (61),
University of Sussex,
Falmer BN1 9QS
jfm24@sussex.ac.uk
ARMS OF DRAX AT LONG BURTON, DORSET
Stephen Friar has sent these ‘before’ and ‘after’ photographs of the arms of Drax, carved and painted on the
former village school at Long Burton, Dorset to commemorate a gift of land from the Drax estate on which the
school (now the village hall) was built. The arms have been repainted by Brian Shirley, advised by Garter King
of Arms whose family has long been associated with Long Burton.
PERCY VANT Herald with a Difference by Peter Field
Published by the Heraldry Society, Charity Reg No 24156, Reg Office, 53 High Street, Burnham, Slough, SL1 7JX.
Printed by Masterprint Ltd, London, SE18 5NQ