Coats of Arms were originally used for purposes of identification and recognition on the field of battle as well as in civil life.
It is claimed by some writers that Coats of Arms, in a crude form, were used by Noah's sons after the flood. There are records of other Coats of Arms, in one crude form or another, at different periods of ancient history. Heraldry, however, as we know it today, did not become of much importance until soon after the invasion of
The Owen Coat of Arms shown on the cover of this volume is the Arms of the Owens of Orielton,
This Arms has been in use by the family for many centuries and is the oldest Owen Coat of Arms in existence. It is described in numerous authentic works on heraldry (see references), accompanied by pedigrees, and, in some cases, with illustrations, as follows (in heraldic parlance)
ARMS: Gu. a chev., between three lions, rampant, or. CREST: A Lion, rampant, or.
MOTTO: Honestas Optima politia (Honesty is the best policy).
SUPPORTERS-Two savages, each with a holly-bush on his shoulder, and wreathed about the heads and waists with holly-leaves, all ppr. Sir Bernard Burke, of