Heraldry in Historic Houses of Great Britain

by Thomas Woodcock, John Martin Robinson

Developed originally for medieval battle flags, heraldic coats of arms quickly became emblems of noble families' origins and identities. This unique illustrated book explores the roots and uses of heraldry and its terminology and lore, and shows how it influenced the design and decor of 50 houses owned and preserved by Britain's National Trust.Drawing on their official access to the records of Britain's College of Arms, the authors illuminate the development of each house's heraldic symbols, which can indicate everything from marriages and honors to social status and even a sense of humor. The lush color photographs reveal the decorative uses of heraldry, as seen on paneling, carpets, stained glass, china, even door latches. Line drawings of each coat of arms and a gazetteer of what to look for in other National Trust properties provide readers with plenty more to investigate in historic houses throughout Great Britain.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Michael Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visit the ancestral home of an ancient titled family in Britain (many of them now in the care of the National Trust), and you’re likely to be confronted by carved lions, painted greyhounds, and basilisks figured in the table linen. There’s not a baronial manor that doesn’t feature heraldic symbols everywhere they can be portrayed, a sort of billboard advertising the dignity of the resident family. More than fifty sumptuous homes are featured in this coffee table volume, including Tattershall Castle, property of the Cromwells, Blickling Hall, which belonged to the earls of Buckinghamshire, and Baddesley Clinton, seat of the Ferrers family, of medieval origins. There are more than a hundred full color plates and illustrations, plus another hundred heraldic line drawings. In explaining the symbolism depicted and the uses made of it, the authors include a great deal of anecdotal history of the great aristocratic families. A treasure trove for art and architecture historians as well as heraldicists.