Nothing is more common than for a Tenant or Dependant to take the Crest of his Lord or Chief for a Sign; which will account for the greatest part of the Bulls' Heads, Griffins, Falcons, Lions, Boars, &c. in the Kingdom. Thus from one quarter they straggled into different places, as those people who had occasion for Signs emigrated from their own Counties and Districts. Amongst these the Sign in question is one; and is to be found in various places that have no present connexion with the original, the Importer of such Device being, perhaps, long since dead. This, being the Crest or Cognizance of the Stanleys, Earls of Derby, it most probably was first used in Lancashire, and the parts contiguous, as a Sign. I at first conceived it to be a fabulous affair; but find, from good and respectable authorities, that there is not only probable, but substantial History contained in it; as the major part of the Estate is derived to the Family from the Issue of the very Child in question. The first account of this matter I shall give from "A Survey of the _Isle of Man_[264]," of which the _Stanleys_ were for several ages Kings and Lords, holding of the Kings of England, by Grant of Henry IV. (anno 7), by Homage and the Service of a [265]Cast (of Falcons), payable on Coronations. The _Stanleys_ were Kings as much as any Tributary King whatsoever, making Laws, &c. They appeared on a certain day in Royal Array, sitting in a Chair, covered with a Royal Cloth and Cushions, with their Visage to the East; the Sword borne before them, with the point upwards; with their Barons, Knights, Squires, &c. about them. Such were the Descendants of the Child we are going to speak of more largely. [264] By William Sacheverell, Esq. late Governor of the Island, printed at London, 1702. [265] _i. e._ Two Falcons. Dugdale's Baronage. _Sir John Stanley_ (temp. Richard II.) was a Knight of the greatest fame in matters of Chivalry; who, having been a great Traveller, was known for his prowess in most parts of Europe. On his return, he was followed by a _Frenchman_, who challenged the whole English Nation. _Sir John_ accepted his challenge, fought, and slew him in the presence of the King. This addition to his fame raised his reputation among the men, and procured him so much favour with the ladies, that he attracted the particular attention of the Heiress of the Family of _Latham_, who was young, rich, and beautiful. _Sir John_, with the true spirit of Errantry, declared it was for her he fought; and at length, contrary to the inclination of her Father, married the Lady. Mr. Sacheverell then relates the story which gave birth to this appendage to the Armorial Bearing of the _Stanley_ Family. These are his words: