CoatofArmsHQ.com

On  CoatofArmsHQ, I will be posting videos of coats of arms for surnames of many nationalities. These videos will include an image of the coat of arms as well as the description of the coat of arms as recorded in various books and armorials, the source of the coat of arms and the country of origin. The coats of arms can be found at:  www.CoatofArmsHQ.com and can be downloaded for free.

Coats of arms originated in the Middle Ages as a mark of identification and flourished when knights began to fully encase themselves in armor. In order to identify themselves on the battlefield, knights began displaying unique symbols on their shields, surcoats, pennants and even the trappings of their horses. Displaying these symbols on their surcoat, a garment worn over their armor to protect it from the elements, gave rise to the term “Coat of Arms.” These symbols and charges were at first simple and chosen by the bearer but eventually became more elaborate as more knights came to use them.