RootsChat.Com

Some Special Interests => Heraldry Crests and Coats of Arms => Topic started by: castlebob on Thursday 07 March 13 11:22 GMT (UK)

Title: Trees in Heraldry
Post by: castlebob on Thursday 07 March 13 11:22 GMT (UK)

Hello All,
Can anyone explain what an oak tree, with roots exposed , bearing leaves & acorns symbolises, when the top of the tree which bears the leaves etc is broken off, please?
Does this denote a cadet or bastard lin?
Cheers,
Bob

Title: Re: Trees in Heraldry
Post by: KGarrad on Thursday 07 March 13 12:02 GMT (UK)

Edward III used a badge of a Stock (tree stump), as did Richard II and Henry IV.

But see also:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tree_stumps_in_heraldry

And plenty of oak trees:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Oak_trees_in_heraldry


Can you post a picture?

Title: Re: Trees in Heraldry
Post by: castlebob on Thursday 07 March 13 12:52 GMT (UK)

This is a rough approximation of the tree. Hope it helps!
Bob

Title: Re: Trees in Heraldry
Post by: Little Nell on Thursday 07 March 13 22:21 GMT (UK)

Quote

Does this denote a cadet or bastard lin?

It's not the standard sign of a cadet or illegitimate line.  Trees (and oak trees in particular) are often used as a charge.  If uprooted they are described as eradicated.  Couped means cut.  To have the top part as well is not something I can find a specific reference for.  :-\

Nell

Title: Re: Trees in Heraldry
Post by: KGarrad on Thursday 07 March 13 22:23 GMT (UK)

Nor me - I've been searching for hours!

Where did you find this?
Was it on a coat-of-arms?

Title: Re: Trees in Heraldry
Post by: castlebob on Friday 08 March 13 03:19 GMT (UK)

Thanks for all your efforts, everyone.
It was from a stone memorial, dating from the mid-16th C.
My gut feeling is that a broken branch (logically?) suggested a bastard line. However, I was just hoping that there was a hard-and-fast rule regarding this. It appears not!
Cheers,
Bob

Title: Re: Trees in Heraldry
Post by: PrueM on Friday 08 March 13 07:52 GMT (UK)

If from a gravestone I believe it is not heraldic at all, but rather symbolic of a life cut short.

Title: Re: Trees in Heraldry
Post by: castlebob on Friday 08 March 13 07:58 GMT (UK)

Thanks . Makes sense. I have read of broken trees in the past, but can't recall where! I dare say if there is anything else to it, someone will post the info.
Cheers,
Bob

Title: Re: Trees in Heraldry
Post by: PrueM on Friday 08 March 13 08:37 GMT (UK)

There's lots of references to broken trees of various kinds being used on grave markers.  Have a look at this board for links to gravestone symbol websites: http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,160.0.html (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,160.0.html)

Title: Re: Trees in Heraldry
Post by: KGarrad on Friday 08 March 13 08:49 GMT (UK)

So it would appear to symbolise a life cut short?

I.E. the tree is a symbol of life (as in Tree of Life)

Title: Re: Trees in Heraldry
Post by: PrueM on Friday 08 March 13 09:38 GMT (UK)

Not sure that it always represented the Tree Of Life per se, or was just an easily-identified living thing obviously cut off.  I've not seen one severed across the middle with the top still intact like this one seems to be - usually they have limbs missing/are just a stump. 

Title: Re: Trees in Heraldry
Post by: known_unknowns on Tuesday 12 March 13 13:30 GMT (UK)

It IS significant that although the tree is cut (or broken), that the leaves and acorns still flourish. A promise of continuity and life.