International Heraldry Day Is Almost Here!

International Heraldry Day this year will be on Wednesday, June 10, 2015.

Why June 10?

On June 10 in the year 1128, in Rouen, was knighted by his future father in law Henry I Beauclerc, Godfrey Plantagenet.  Suspended during the ceremony on the neck of the young knight was a shield of blue decorated with six golden lions, which is recognized by most heralds as, for the first time in history, a fully-formed coat of arms.

This same shield was later borne by Geoffrey's grandson, William Longspee, which is what leads heralds to recognize it as the first true heraldry.

Heraldry was defined by the late Sir Anthony Wagner, Garter Principal King of Arms, as "the systematic use of hereditary devices centred on the shield."  Hence, its hereditary nature, descending in family lines, is an essential part of what distinguishes heraldry from being simply designs painted on shields.

So, what are you going to do to mark this special occasion?