Heraldry in relation to Scottish history and art; being the Rhind lectures on archaeology for 1898

Front matter

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Preface

The following Lectures were delivered in November 1898, and the interest then taken in them leads me to think that they will not be unacceptable in their present form to a larger circle of persons than could attend when they were originally given. Although in the first Lecture I have touched upon the technical terms used in the blazoning of arms, the volume is by no means intended to instruct its readers in the details of the science ; there are only too many books written on the subject, to any of which reference can be made. What I have wished to point out, in as simple and direct a manner as possible, is, first, the interesting manner in which Heraldry is interwoven with, and illustrative of, Scottish history ; and second, how it has entered into the artistic development of the country in a way which, perhaps, has not hitherto been fully recognised. I have also endeavoured to indicate how, when many of the absurd accretions which have grown up round

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Heraldry have been eliminated, it remains not merely a pleasant, but also a profitable, subject of study, not least from its artistic side, which in recent days shows signs of being appreciated, if not to its full worth, at all events better than it was before.

I have retained the direct style used in delivering the Lectures, as being more in keeping with the informal character of the work, which does not profess to be an exhaustive treatise on its subject, but rather a suggestive sketch for the benefit of those who are desirous of studying it more thoroughly.

I have to express my obligations to several friends who have given me much kind assistance. Mr W. R. Macdonald, Carrick Pursuivant, whose knowledge of Scottish arms is both extensive and accurate, has read the proofs most carefully, and given me many valuable suggestions ; and they have also had the benefit of the revision of Mr F. J. Grant, Rothesay Herald and Lyon Clerk. I am indebted to Bishop Dowden for some interesting references to the heraldic decoration of ecclesiastical vestments. The Earl of Home most kindly put at my disposal the illustrations of the

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fine collection of Douglas seals which appeared in Sir William Eraser's '' Douglas Book ; " and my best thanks are due to Messrs MacGibbon and Ross, architects, for permission to use some designs which appeared in their monumental work on ''The Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland ; " and also to the Society of Antiquaries for a similar courtesy extended to me in respect of several illustrations which have appeared in their '* Proceedings."

J. B. P.

April igoo.

Erratum. — Page 22, fig. i^.for "wreath of ribbon " read "palmbranch and ribbon."

Contents

LECTURE I.

THE GRAMMAR OF HERALDRY.

PAGE