Early examples of Panache-Crests exist in considerable numbers, and they
show much variety of treatment. No. 285, already given at page 142,
shows a Panache of several heights of feathers, the general outline
having an oval contour. In No. 283, from the Seal of EDWARD DE
COURTENAY, Earl of DEVON, A.D. 1372, there are three heights of
feathers, and the outline has a square form. Again, the Seal of WILLIAM
LE LATIMER, A.D. 1415, gives the peculiar Panache, with the no less
peculiar variety of mantling, shown in No. 284. A Panache of ample
proportions, and of exceedingly graceful form, is represented in the
Seal of WILLIAM DE WYNDESOR, A.D. 1381. The comparatively small size of
the armorial Shield, as it generally appears when introduced into the
composition of Seals in the fourteenth century, is shown in a striking
manner in this same example, No. 382, which in the woodcut is slightly
enlarged, in order to show the device more clearly: the arms are--_Gu.,
a saltire or_. Other fine examples of Panache-Crests may be seen in the
effigies of Sir RICHARD DE PEMBRIDGE, K.G., A.D. 1375, in Hereford
Cathedral; of Sir ROBERT DE MARMION, A.D. 1400, at Tanfield, Yorkshire;
and of Sir THOMAS ARDERNE, about the same date, at Elford, in
Staffordshire. The very fine effigy of Sir EDWARD DE THORPE, A.D. 1418,
at Ashwelthorpe, in Norfolk, has a helm of rare beauty of form, with a
rich mantling, and a most graceful Panache of peacock’s feathers; and
peacock’s feathers also form the Panache of Lord FERRERS of CHARTLEY, in
his Brass, A.D. 1425, at Merevale, in Warwickshire. And, once more, upon
the Seal of THOMAS DE HATFIELD, Bishop of Durham, A.D. 1345, the Panache
rises from the episcopal mitre, after the same manner as it does in No.
383 from a Coronet.
[Illustration: No. 383.--Crest of Sir Richard Grey, K.G., A.D. 1420.]
Another episcopal Seal, that of Bishop HENRY LE DESPENCER, No. 351,
shows a Shield of small size when compared with the helm and crest, the
latter being the favourite device of a gryphon’s head between two tall
upright wings. The Seals of the FITZALANS, Earls of Arundel, and the
Seal of JOHN TIPTOFT, Earl of Worcester, may be specified as displaying
fine examples of the same Crest. With them may be grouped the Crest of
Sir RICHARD GREY, K.G., Lord Grey of Codnor, A.D. 1420--_A peacock’s
head and neck, between two wings erect, the feathers az., and their
pens_ (quills) _arg._, No. 383, from the Garter-plate at Windsor. This
Crest rises from such a Crest-Coronet as was borne on their helms by
noblemen in the time of HENRY V.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account