Heraldry - V
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Glossary

Medieval Heraldry A to Z - V

Click the shields below to launch the TimeRef Shield Editor and create your own design.

Designs, or coat of arms, were invented to help recognise one person from another. How far back this idea was first put into practice is not known but from the first half of the twelfth century (1100-1150) knights began to use designs on their flags and shields to identify themselves in battle and in tournaments. The designs commonly passed down from one generation to the next and became means of identifying an entire family and not just a single person. The term 'coat of arms' comes the the surcoat, a textile garment, that was worn over the armour and was decorated with the same design as the shield.

Viking Shields (Click shields to launch the TimeRef shield editor)

The Viking shield was designed to be light and maneuverable for both offense and defense. They were usually made from soft woods like spruce, fir, or pine, which absorbed blows well. Planks were glued together and often covered with thin leather or rawhide to strengthen the surface and reduce splitting. A defining feature was the iron shield boss, a domed metal piece fixed at the center.

Click shield to edit

The edges of the shield were often reinforced with rawhide, sometimes leather-stitched. They could be metal-rimmed, but metal was expensive and added weight. The shield were often painted with simple colors or patterns (e.g., quarters, concentric designs). Want to design your own Viking shield? Click these shields to launch the TimeRef sheild editor.

Click shield to edit

TimeRef Medieval Shield Editor

Click image to design your shield

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