Crowns

Though their original purpose was most likely to keep long hair out of a man's face, crowns evolved into a symbol of rank and position and were often emblazoned on heralds. Royal leaders wore them as a sign of power. They also wore them in battle to show that they were due special protection from their own soldiers.

Coronets of Rank

 

royal

royal 2

Royal Crowns

royal3

 

duke

Duke

marquess

Marquess

earl

Earl

viscount

Viscount

baron

Baron

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Crest Coronets, Crowns, Chapeaux, and Chaplets

ducal coronet

ducal coronet

chapeau

chapeau

chaplet

chaplet

crown triumphant

crown triumphant

civic crown

civic crown

mural coronet

mural coronet

naval crown

naval crown

eastern crown

eastern crown

celestial crown

celestial crown

astral coronet

astral coronet

crown vallary

crown vallary

palisado crown

palisado crown

crown of charlemagne

Crown of Charlemagne

hanover crown

Hanover Crown

imperial crown

imperial crown

king of arms

King of Arms

 

Another crown which occurs, though rarely, in heraldic arms is the crown of Spain, described as:

A circle of jeweled gold, supporting eight strawberry leaves, no cap. Sometimes the crown includes four ogee arches, meeting under a mound and cross patée.

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The Heraldic Helmet

Helmets too served a purpose besides protecting one's head. The different designs of different helmets signified who was wearing them, be it a king, esquire, or knight.

king

king

duke2

peer
(i.e., duke, marquess, earl, viscount or baron)

knight or baronet

knight or baronet

esquire

esquire

tilting helmet 1

tilting helmet 2

tilting helmets

tilting helmet 3

heumes

heumes

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Ecclesiastical Hats and Crowns

Religions men too wore crowns. Similar to royal ones, the crowns and hats of the religious were signs of rank and standing within their religious order.

papal crown

papal crown

bishop's mitre

bishop's mitre
(without and with ducal coronet)

ecclesiastical hat

ecclesiastical hat*

* Ecclesiastical (or clergymen's) hats come in a variety of colors and tassel numbers, which when properly drawn indicate rank or calling. According to Boutell's Manual of Heraldry (pages 226-228) these are:

  • Crimson with fifteen tassels per side = a cardinal (the number was fixed in 1832)
  • Crimson with six tassels per side = a vicar
  • Violet with six tassels per side = a domestic prelate of the Pope
  • Green with ten tassels per side = continental archbishops and bishops
  • Black with three tassels per side = an abbot
  • Black with one tassel per side = any other clergyman

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