Crests

"The flat top of the helm was an obvious place to display an easily recognisable device and the crest was the result. This varied in complexity from a simple bunch of feathers to enormously elaborate recreations of heraldic beasts or symbolic objects, delightfully portrayed in the miniatures from the great collection of German love poetry in the Manesse manuscript. These were probably constructed out of light materials - cloth over a wooden frame, perhaps - and would have been totally impractical for real warfare."

From "Tournaments", Barber & Barker, 1989 Boydell Press

Crests for Chivalric competitors are recommended for competition. To help recreate the pageantry of the event these creations will also be judged. Crests should be of a reasonable size and shape and might reflect some element in your arms or personality; however, your crest does not have to be registered. Please, no stuffed animals or anything blatantly mundane.

We ask that you please present your crest and Letter of Venancy to the judging tent starting at 7p Friday evening. Crests and Letters of Venancy will be available for general viewing throughout the evening with the final judging being held from 8:30a - 9a. At 9a, you will be able to retrieve your helm for armour inspection.

Great page on making crests: http://www.randyasplund.com/browse/medieval/crest.html

Crests are from "Arms and Uniforms: The Age of Chivalry", Lilian and Fred Funcken, Ward Lock Limited, London, 1980