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=== Introduction === | === Introduction === | ||
[[Image:Coat of Arms of the Duke of Beaufort svg.png|thumb|right|169x200px | [[Image:Coat of Arms of the Duke of Beaufort svg.png|thumb|right|169x200px]]Heraldry is the design, use, regulation, and recording of coats of arms and related emblems. Originally, coats of arms were "assumed", or designed and adopted by the persons using them. Eventually, the Crown reserved to itself the right to grant coats of arms to individuals, ''not families''. | ||
A person entitled to bear arms is an armiger. An armiger’s legitimate male descendants can inherit the right to use his coat of arms. The eldest son inherited his father's arms directly and younger sons inherited them with marks added to difference them. Most English did not have a coat of arms. | <br>A person entitled to bear arms is an armiger. An armiger’s legitimate male descendants can inherit the right to use his coat of arms. The eldest son inherited his father's arms directly and younger sons inherited them with marks added to difference them. Most English did not have a coat of arms. | ||
The Crown awards the right to use coat of arms to a person who performs a heroic deed, makes a notable achievement, or holds a prominent position. Such grants are recorded by representatives of the Crown called King’s heralds, who house their records at: | The Crown awards the right to use coat of arms to a person who performs a heroic deed, makes a notable achievement, or holds a prominent position. Such grants are recorded by representatives of the Crown called King’s heralds, who house their records at: | ||