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| The Irish came late to heraldry. It had little place in Gaelic culture, which had its own rich tradition of symbols. When heraldry did arrive from England, it was seen as yet another foreign import, baggage associated with the hated Anglo-Norman adventurers who managed to gain a foothold on Ireland's south-east coast during the 12th and 13th centuries. The narrow stretch of land, with its capital in Dublin, was termed “the pale”: within this area the Norman lords and merchants felt secure from the native Irish who were, literally, “beyond the pale.” | |||
| In 1921 the Republic of Ireland was born. Today it consists of the whole island except for the six counties of the northern province of Ulster, still under British rule. In an agreement between the Irish and British governments, all heraldic records relating to Ireland remained under the control of Ulster King of Arms until 1943, when the Office of the Chief Heraldic of Ireland was established. Heraldic matters relating to British-controlled Ulster were then transferred to London, and the office of Ulster King of Arms was merged with that of Norroy King of Arms, thus becoming Norroy and Ulster King of Arms. | |||
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The most Irish of symbols, the harp, is not often granted as a charge In 1921 the Republic of Ireland was born. Today it consists of the whole island except for the six counties of the northern province of Ulster, still under British rule. In an agreement between the Irish and British governments, all heraldic records relating to Ireland remained under the control of Ulster King of Arms until 1943, when the Office of the Chief Heraldic of Ireland was established. Heraldic matters relating to British-controlled Ulster were then transferred to London, and the office of Ulster King of Arms was merged with that of Norroy King of Arms, thus becoming Norroy and Ulster King of Arms.
because it is associated with national institutions. Badges and standards are rarely given; supporters are reserved for special users, such as Knights and the fencing arts and related martial systems as practiced from the Middle Ages through to the beginning of the 20 century. |
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