What are the origins of Heraldry?

What are the origins of Heraldry?

Peter O'Donoghue (Bluemantle Pursuivant ) gives expert video advice on: What is Heraldry?; What is a pedigree?; How do I begin to research my pedigree? and more...

Heraldry began as a system of signs and symbols on shields used by nobles and kings to identify themselves in the middle of the 12th century, in battle, tournaments - which were the great sort of outdoor sport at that time, and on seals. And it was a hereditary system of identification, but it was also an immensely useful way of displaying your social status. Coat of arms were only used by the upper classes - the land owning classes.