Coats of Arms - The earlier arms of the Danvers family

The Coat of Arms A coat or surcoat was worn over the armour to protect it from the elements. Not many soldiers could read so the coat was decorated with graphical and colourful emblems which the soldiers learnt to recognise. To prevent two knights displaying the same arms the issuing of them was, and still is, strictly controlled by the Heralds.

There are two representations of the Danvers arms, the oldest form on the left was adopted by Sir Roland Danvers of Little Marlow about 1100. The Brancestre (Brancaster) arms were adopted by Richard Danvers when he married Agnes, daughter of Sir John Brancestre in about 1350, probably because she brought considerable wealth to the family, namely Calthorpe, Banbury.

Brancaster/Brancestre arms

Elements making up the blazon i.e the graphical representation of the arms as above. The Crest The Coat of Arms The Motto

The Crest On the oldest form of Danvers arms the crest is a mythical creature called a wyvern. The crest was worn on top of the helmet and helped identify the knight in battle. It is said by some that the crest also helped deflect direct blows to the helmet by weapons.

The arms are described in Latin: Gules a chevron between three mullets Or. The mullets (spur wheels) are sometimes represented with five points and sometimes with six, see above. The former is the original form.

The Motto Usually written on a banner, this time in French, positiond below the arms. "FORTE EN LOYALTE" "STRENGTH IN LOYALTY"

Here we see Sir Henry's arms that he had placed on the tower of Dauntsey Church when he had the church restored in 1631. His bust is at the top. The wyvern can be seen on top of his helmet. The supporters are a cat o' mountain on the right and another wyvern on the left, same as on his tomb. The arms are those of Danvers and Nevill (his mothers).

Designs of Wonder - Heraldry site - Check for your own family's coat of arms.

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Updated   8 Aug 2007                     (C) Gary Danvers                       Page opened 12 May 2000