a. Write out the words which you find most important for the theme of heraldry and translate them into Russian.

COAT OF ARMS

Strictly, a coat of arms refers only to the shield and the devices, known ascharges, borne on it, but in common usage the expression is used to refer to an achievement of arms, which is a representation of all the armorial devices to which the bearer is entitled.The use of pictures and emblems on shields, flags, and coat of arms was introduced into England from Western Europe during the 12th century. But the exact date and place of origin of the heraldic system in Western Europe is not known.Here is an achievement of arms:

In heraldic language, each area of the shield has its own name. The top is called the chief, the bottom is the base, the horizontal centre is the fesse, the vertical centre is the pale. The right side from the bearer's view is the dexter, and the left side is the sinister.

The earliest use was on the battlefield and in tournaments, or mock battles, as a means of identification for otherwise unrecognizable armour-clad knights. Bold symbols depicting a knight's name were embroidered on his surcoat, the garment worn over his armour, which became known as the coat of arms. Since few people could read or write at that time, this means of identification spread to the seals that were used for official documents. Heralds, the messengers of royal and noble households, whose duty it was to identify the knights, became interested in the colourful means of identification, and hereldry as it is known today began. Heraldic systems are similar throughout Europe, and a system akin to heraldry can be found in Japan.

In 1484 Richard III of England granted the heralds a charter incorporating them as a body within the Royal Household, now known and existing as the College of Arms, or Heralds' College. The Kings of Arms, the senior heralds, grant arms on behalf of the Crown, as they also draw up the regulations regarding arms. Blazon, the language of heraldry, was invented by the early heralds and is still used to describe all coats of arms.

Originally arms were granted only to knights and nobles and were regarded as an honour. But during the 15th century the rich and powerful middle class that emerged from the crumbling feudal system were granted arms in recognition of their new ‘gentle’ status. And since then the coat of arms has been regarded as the insignia of gentility. Arms are still granted to those who satisfy the Earl marshal that they are eligible. Honorary arms can be granted to American citizens of English or British descent in the male line. Corporate bodies such as companies, banks, and local governments are also granted arms.

The Royal Coat of Arms

The Royal Coat of Arms acts as the official coat of arms for the British monarch.

The Royal Coat of Arms features a shield divided into four quarters. The quarters represent the symbols of Ireland, England, and Scotland. Wales does not play a role in the Royal Coat of Arms as when the Act of Union came about the Kingdom of Wales was already integral to England.

The upper left and lower right quarters of the shield feature the three guardian lions of England. In the top right is the lion rampant, Scotland’s royal symbol. In the lower left is a harp which represents Ireland. Surrounding the shield is the Garter circlet. The Order of the Garter is a chivalric order first started by Edward III, an English monarch. The circlet is inscribed with the order of the motto: “ Honi soit qui mal y pense” (shame on he who thinks evil).

Above the shield is the royal crown which is topped with a golden crowned lion. A lion, representing England, stands on the “Dexter” (right-hand) side. A unicorn, representing Scotland, stands on the “Sinister” (left-hand) side. According to ancient legends, a free unicorn was a dangerous beast. This is why the heraldic unicorn is chained.

The lion and unicorn stand upon a small frame, commonly referred to as a compartment. It features a thistle, Tudor rose and Shamrock. They respectively represent Scotland, England and Ireland.

Also along the compartment is the motto of English monarchs: “Die et mon Droit” (God and my Right). This motto has been carried to the present royal family.

The United Kingdom Coat of Arms is made up of the Arms of Scotland and England.

Wales is not represented in the Royal Arms as by the time of the Act of Union in 1707 Wales was already integral to England. However, there is a Welsh coat of arms.

Exercise 1. Translate these words into Russian consulting dictionaries if necessary:

Exercise 2.

a. Write out the words which you find most important for the theme of heraldry and translate them into Russian.

b. Translate into English:

1 Геральдика изучает гербы государств, городов, корпоративныеи цеховые гербы, гербы родов и фамилий.

2 Львы и орлы — традиционные символы власти и государственности.

3 Сочетание английских слов coatofarms может переводиться нарусский язык как герб и как гербовый щит.

4 Слову эмблема соответствуют английские слова device, chargeили emblem.

Exercise 3. Complete the table showing how heraldry developed in England:

Exercise 4. Answer the questions:

1. What is a coat of arms?

2. What is the difference between a coat of arms and an achievement of arms?

3. Who is a herald?

4. What are the responsibilities of the College of Arms?

5. Who can be granted arms?

6. What is Blazon?