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Scottish Heraldry, Duncan Coats of Arms, |
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Duncan Armigers & Crest Badges |
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Scotland, arguably, has the richest and most regulated form of heraldry
in the world and as a result it can boast that it possesses the purest
system of heraldry in existence today. Although a coat of arms belongs
only to the original grantee and his direct heirs, and its display is
regulated by The Court of the Lord Lyon with the full power of the law
to prosecute transgressors, Scotland is quite possibly unique in that
practically everyone can enjoy heraldry in the form of the clansman’s
crest badge.
These
pages are set down to illustrate the many existing Duncan coats of arms
and to show their importance in the Clan system. We aim to shatter some
of the myths and misconceptions surrounding coats of arms and to show
how, once understood the art and science of heraldry has a real and
useful position in both the history and genealogy of the Clan Duncan.
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Information and
Useful Leaflets from the Lyon Court of Scotland |
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The office of
Lyon King of Arms dates from the 14th century. The earliest
official record is of the appointment of a Lyon by King Robert
the Bruce in 1318, but the office may be older. The position
incorporates the ancient Celtic office of High Sennachie who was
responsible for verifying the genealogy of the King of Scotland
and for crowning the King at his coronation.
The Lord Lyon is
the sole King of Arms in Scotland. He is Head of the Heraldic
Executive and the Judge of the Court of the Lord Lyon which has
jurisdiction over all heraldic business in Scotland. |
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He is assisted by
Her Majesty's Officers of Arms, all of whom are members of the
Royal Household. There are three senior Officers of Arms (Albany
Herald, Rothesay Herald and Ross Herald) and three junior
Officers of Arms (Unicorn Pursuivant, Carrick Pursuivant and
Bute Pursuivant).
The Officers of Arms may be consulted on matters of heraldry and
genealogy by members of the public and may represent their
clients before the Lyon Court. The Officers of Arms also take
part in ceremonial occasions.
An Act of the Scottish Parliament of 1592 gave the Lord Lyon
responsibility for prosecuting as a criminal offence anyone who
uses unauthorised Arms. The Court has its own Procurator Fiscal,
an independent official prosecutor.
In 1672 a further Act of the Scottish Parliament authorised the
creation of the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in
Scotland. This Register is maintained by the Lyon Clerk and
Keeper of the Records and contains an official copy of every
Coat of Arms granted in Scotland since 1672. |
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