Following on from the post ‘What’s in a name?’ William Lamparter’s papers contained the following notes on heraldry and the Lanyon Arms.
Gu. on waves of the sea. Az. A square castle in perspective with a tower at each corner or a falcon ppr. rising. Crest. On a mount vert. A castle with four towers or a falcon rising as above.
Coats of arms are composed of the shield, helmet, wreath, crest, mantle and motto.
The shield or escutcheon, the most important part of a knight’s defensive equipment is the object upon which the armorial devices or charges are displayed. The Lanyon shield is red with a castle and falcon as charges. Gules (red) alludes to blood and generally signifies that the bearers have shed blood in defence of their country.
A castle as a charge denotes power and safety. Castles were given as charges to those who had distinguished themselves in the taking of castles or other fortified places. They are considered honourable rewards.
The sea waves under the castle denote high fortune and dignity.
The falcon as a charge was given to those who were eager for plunder.
The gold as the principal metal in the ‘arms’ signifies generosity and elevation of mind.
Helmets are placed over arms, and show the rank of the persons to whom they belong. The closed helmet seen in profile is appropriated to esquires and gentlemen.
The wreath was composed of two rolls of twisted silk or leather – the colours consisting of the principal metal and the principal colour. The wreath encircled the helmet and supported the crest.
Crests were borne upon helmets to distinguish military leaders and knights engaged in battle. Thus many ancient families entitled to bear coat armour are without crests.
The mantle was attached to the helmet and hung down over the armour to protect it from weather.
The motto is a word or short sentence inserted in a scroll which is generally beneath the shield.
The Lanyon motto is:- Vive ut Vivas (Live, that you may live.)
In the 1990s a new ‘shield’ was designed and created for David Lanyon by Dennis Endean Ivall from Truro.
Seal of the signet ring of HHL held by WRL (1998)
Bill Lanyon kindly sent me this news clipping and a drawing of the coat of arms. The newspaper story was by ‘Veritas’ the nom de plume of Jane Veale Mitchell and I believe the drawing is also by her.
The Lanyons 