Dame Heraldry

Why does a lion stand on his hind legs? What did a crusader's cross mean? An 1886 guide that teaches heraldry as bedtime stories — plus: design your own coat of arms.

What Heraldry Means. - College of Arms

4 pages in this part of Dame Heraldry.

What Heraldry Means. - College of Arms

AND now that we have learned so much about the gay doings that went on when heraldry was at the very pinnacle of its glory, do you not…

What Heraldry Means. - College of Arms: Marmion

Now, largesse, largesse, Lord Marmion!

What Heraldry Means. - College of Arms: Marshal

An Earl Marshal is the foremost of all the tried and faithful adherents that guard the premises of the shrivelled dame; his office, during…

What Heraldry Means. - College of Arms: King-at-Arms

After the Earl Marshal rank the three Kings-at-Arms, the one belonging to England being styled "Garter King-at-Arms." His title was taken…

Rights & ReuseThe complete text of Dame Heraldry (1886) is in the public domain in the United States — like all works published before 1928 — and is free to read, download, quote, teach from, and reuse. This digital edition (its transcription, restored images, and site design) is © 2026 PhotoOpAI, and any editorial commentary we add is clearly marked as ours; the underlying public-domain text carries no such restriction.