The Gordon Coat of Arms

The following data is extracted from Gordon Family Records.

A Coat of Arms is an emblem which is displayed by titled persons, persons of royal blood, and their descendants.
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 food. 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 England by William the Conqueror, A. D. 1066. Heraldry became of general interest at about the time of the Crusades.
The Coat of Arms shown on the cover of this volume is the oldest Gordon Coat of Arms in existence. It is the Coat of Arms of the Gordons of Huntly, Aboyne, etc., who descend from the same ancestry as the other British Gentile Gordons.
Other Coats of Arms created since bear a great resemblance to this one, the colors being the same, though the motto and crest differ in some cases.

This Coat of Arms is described in various works on heraldry (See References), in heraldic parlance, as follows ARMS: Az, three boars' heads, erased, or. CREST: In a ducal coronet or a stag's head and neck affrontee ppr. Attired with ten tynes of the first.

MOTTO: Animo non Astutia (By courage, not by stratagem).
"Sir Adam Gordon I was remarkable for killing a fierce boar that much wasted the country near the forest or wood of Huntly; and that the memory of such a remarkable action might be transmitted to posterity, King Malcolm would have him to carry in his banner three boarsheads, or, in a field of azure."

"This knight was in great favor with Malcolm, both for his prudence and valor, and Malcolm bestowed upon him, as a reward of his merit, the lands of Stitchel, and other lands in Merse and Galloway, which continued in the family of Gordon for upwards of 500 years."

Sir Bernard Burke, of Heralds College, London, said "Heraldry is prized by all who can show honorable ancestry or wish to found honorable families."

Many Americans are today displaying Coats of Arms which have been adopted by their progenitors in Europe.

Besides its Family significance the GORDON Coat of Arms makes an excellent mural decoration and inspires the admiration and comment of all who see it.

Being a member of the GORDON family, it is quite appropriate that you should display this Coat of Arms, in proper colors, on the wall of your home or office, and use it on your stationery. This would be visible testimony to your friends and to the world of your justifiable pride in your family history, traditions and standards.

Source: Gordon Family Records

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