The Coat-Of-Arms of the Corley Family

In this blog we will discuss the history of Heraldry and all its symbolism. Each week we will showcase a Coat-Of-Arms. Give a written description (blazon) of the coat, it's particulars and where we obtained the information for that coat.

This weeks showcased coat-of-arms will be the surname 'Corley' from England. Information for this coat-of-arms was found in 'HPS Surname Data Base'.

ARMS: Or (gold) on a mount in base an oak tree vert (green) overall on a fess gules (red) three regal crowns of the field (gold)

CREST: A sword argent (silver) hilt and pommel or (gold) and a scepter of the last in saltire enfiled with a civic crown vert (green)

MOTTO: SUBDITUS FIDELIS REGIS ET SALUS REGNI (A Faithful Subject Of The King Is A Preserver Of The Monarchy)

Lets break this down. We will start with the arms: 

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

MOUNT (rising or hillock): On which crests are often under set, and usually for artistic purposes. Although occasionally, they were used to represent burial mounds and symbolized either remembrance, or protection by the device or charge resting on the mound. Sometimes referred to as a Compartment. 

OAK TREE: An oak was often the guardian tree of a family. It is the emblem of virtue and strength and resiliency. Long associated with thunder gods such as Thor in Norse mythology; denotes steadfastness, endurance. Known as the holy oak by ancient Christians, denoting worship. 

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

FESS: Represents a military belt or girdle of honor. The word Fesse is a French word; and signifies the loins of a man. The girdle of honor may seem to have been in ancient time given by Emperors, and Kings, and their Generals of the field unto soldiers, for reward of some special service performed by them. This Ordinary has been anciently taken for the same that we call Baltheum militare or a belt of honor. The bestowing of this military girdle was reputed very honorable because none were to receive it but men of merit. If a knight was disarmed of his Military girdle by his demerits and offence, he is there-with-all deprived of all Military privileges.

GULES (Red), (fr. gueules): The term is probably derived from the Arabic gule, a red rose; introduced by the Crusaders. Some historians feel the word is derived.

CROWNS: Are symbols of monarchy, state and power and denotes dignity and accomplishment. The etymology is as follows Middle English coroune, crowne, from Old French corone, from Latin corona wreath, crown, from Greek korOnE culmination, something curved like a crow's beak, literally, crow; akin to Latin cornix crow, Greek korax raven. The use of the crown as a symbol of monarchy is of ancient tradition in Egypt and the Middle East. In ancient Greece and Rome, however, crowns sometimes made of leaves, were simply wreaths, awarded to victors in athletic tournaments or bestowed on citizens in recognition of an extraordinary deed. In medieval and modern times, the crown is generally made of metal, often gold or silver and inlaid with precious gems. 

Next we will discuss the crest:

CREST: A sword argent (silver) hilt and pommel or (gold) and a sceptre of the last in saltire enfiled with a civic crown vert (green)

SWORD: The sword symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage. It is a symbol of knighthood and chivalry. European Knights during the period of Crusades, used swords that were less bulky and blades tapering for thrusting as well as hacking. Swords of the Teutonic Knights featured downward quillons that first appeared around the 11th century. To them, swords were the symbols of truth and honor and were bestowed on one of stature. In heraldry, differentiation of the type of sword is rare, however, you will find reference to the scimitar, the seax, the saber, the claymore, the rapier, Irish sword etc. The usual form in Heraldry is a long straight blade, with a cross handle. Quillons can be pointing downwards, upwards, s shaped, with cruciform’s (cross shaped), fleur-de-lis tipped and more. Pommels can be round, square, ring-shaped (like the Irish sword) or other shapes. A sword can also be blazoned wavy, which may be symbolic of the Christian flamed sword. The changes in warfare associated with the introduction of firearms did not eliminate the sword but rather proliferated its types. The discarding of body armor made it necessary for the swordsman to be able to parry with his weapon, and the thrust-and-parry rapier came into use. The advantage of a curved blade for cutting was early appreciated in Asia, where it was long used by the Indians, Persians, and others before its introduction to Europe by the Turks. The Turkish scimitar was modified in the West to the cavalry saber. At the other extreme of Asia, the Japanese developed a long-bladed, slightly curved version with a two-handed grip, with which an elaborate dueling cult, as well as ancestor worship, became associated.

ARGENT (fr.): The tincture silver. By those who emblazon according to the planetary system it is represented by the Moon, just as the tincture of gold is represented by the Sun. Hence it is sometimes fancifully called Luna in the arms of princes, as also Pearl in those of peers. As silver soon becomes tarnished, it is generally represented in painting by white. In engraving it is known by the natural color; and in tricking by the letter a. In the doubling of mantles it may be called white, because(as the old heralds say) it is not in that case to be taken for a metal, but the skin of a little beast called a Litvite. Sometimes, too, in old rolls of arms the term blanc is used.

OR (Gold or Yellow): Known as 'jaune'; symbolizes generosity and elevation of the mind; one of the two metals of Heraldry. 'Or' is from Latin (aurum): the chief of the tinctures; it is called Sol by those who blazon by the sun and planets.

SCEPTER: A staff used by the ancient Pharaohs as a symbol of kingship and is also a religious symbol of temporal power; throughout the ages borne to represent sovereignty and dominion.

SALTIRE: The term is from Middle English sautire, which is from Middle French saultoir or saulter to jump, or from Latin saltare. In the days of old the Saltire was made of the height of man and was driven full of pinnes (metal pegs), the use whereof was to scale the low walls of towns; from this interpretation the Saltire was bestowed upon one who was successful in accomplishing such a military mission. The Saltire is also known as St. Andrew’s cross as according to legend is that shape because the apostle Andrew petitioned the Roman authorities who had sentenced him to death not to crucify him on the same shape of cross as Christ, and this was granted. St. Andrew is Scotland’s patron saint and the Saltire is today its flag and national symbol; from this interpretation the Saltire is in recognition of Scotland, its patron saint, faith and resolution.

ENFILED: When a sword is drawn with the head of a beast, a coroner, or any other object so placed that the blade pierces it though, the sword is said to be enfiled with such an object; or in the case of rings, crowns, or fillets, though which a sword or crosier is passed, the term may also be used.

CIVIC CROWN: A chaplet of common oak leaves woven to form a crown. During the Roman Republic and the subsequent Principate, it was regarded as the second highest military decoration to which a citizen could aspire (the Grass Crown being held in higher regard). It was reserved for Roman citizens who saved the lives of fellow citizens by slaying an enemy on a spot not further held by the enemy that same day. The citizen saved must admit it; no one else could be a witness

VERT (Green); (fr. sinople): The French are said to have called it Sinople, from a town in Asia Minor (Sinope) from which were brought the best materials for dyeing green, or silks and stuffs of a brilliant green color; signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.

MEANING: Habitational name from Corley in Warwickshire or Coreley in Shropshire, both named with Old English corna, a metathesized form of crona, genitive plural of cron, cran ‘crane’ + lēah‘ woodland clearing’.

Next week we will showcase the coat-of-arms of 'Mayberry'.

Showcase Product Of The Week:

What’s a tailored suit without a custom tie! Create one-of-a-kind ties for yourself or your loved ones. 

• 55" long, 4" wide (at widest point).
• Unlimited colors.
• Made of silky 100% polyester fabric.
• No minimum order.