††††A coat of arms is the heraldic bearings or shield of a person or corporation.
In the 12th century, knights began to carry shields painted with their own unique designs or arms. In this way the knights could be identified when their faces were covered by a helmet.
From the 14th century these emblems were also placed on the knight's surcoats (sleeveless tunics) and the term 'coat of arms' was coined.
The design and use of coats of arms is strictly controlled. The world's oldest such heraldic court is the English College of Arms, founded in 1483.
