The Hart Name

Origin

Devonshire, England

Arms

Gules a bend between three fleurs-de-lis argent.

Crest

A fleur-de-lis argent issuing from a cloud proper.

Mantle

Gules and argent.

Motto

Deo adjuvante vincam. (Conquer with the help of God.)

Authority

Sir Bernard Burke, p.461, General Armory, A registry of Armorial Bearings from the Earliest to the Present Time-1884 edition.

Translation of the Heraldic Description Given Above

The background of the shield is red on which there is a silver band extending diagonally from upper left to lower right of the shield as you face it. This band separates three silver fleurs-de-lis.

The crest consists of a silver fleur-de-lis emerging from a natural colored cloud.

The mantle is red and silver. This is an ornamental design devised by the artist to represent a textile covering on the helmet, worn first as a protection against the heat and against the rust which would follow the damp: Later it was discovered that this textile covering was deadening to sword-blow and the sword would become entangled in it. Now the mantlings are shown cut and "torn to ribbons." See Complete Guide to Heraldry by A. C. Fox-Davies, pages 383-384.

Notes

The bend represents a shoulder belt or scarf. The fleur-de-lis was a mark of cadency representing the sixth son.

During the middle Ages the Knight was most important in battle because he was the rallying point for a group of men who wore his livery. Since he was completely encased in armour, it was necessary that there be some means of recognizing him quickly. For this reason distinguishing clothing became more important, and colors for clothing were chosen carefully to express people's claims to virtures. Red stood for strength or passion and silver stood for purity. The time came when a knight repeated his colors on his shield. This was the beginning of coats-of-arms. For variety it was necessary to introduce designs. Today these are the testimonials of meritorious deeds of our ancestors.