Author: Jo Laver
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Crest vs Coat of Arms: Understanding the Difference
Categories: Heraldry
Crest or Coat of Arms? What’s the Difference? Many people use the terms “crest” and “coat of arms” interchangeably, but they are different. A coat of arms is a heraldic design granted to an individual, not a surname. It can sometimes be inherited along specific lines, but others sharing the surname are not automatically entitled…
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Family Crest Gifts That Create Meaningful Memories
Many presents are enjoyed for a moment, then quietly forgotten. However, some gifts stay in a home for years and become part of family life. That is often why family crest gifts remain such a popular choice. At least that’s what our customers tell us. A well-chosen print can feel personal, thoughtful and lasting. It…
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Why Your Review Matters
Categories: Hall of Names Information
Have you ever left a review after visiting an independent shop, café or attraction? If so, you may not realise just how much your feedback helps. A single review can encourage someone to visit a business they might otherwise have walked past, while also giving small independent businesses like ours the confidence to continue doing…
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Why Do People Change Their Surnames?
Categories: Tracing Family History
Why do people change their surnames? The reasons are surprisingly varied. Some surnames change through migration, marriage or adoption, while others evolve because of spelling variations, clerical errors or personal choice. Many people assume surnames remain unchanged throughout history. In reality, family names often develop and evolve over generations, creating the fascinating variety of surnames…
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Why Do Some Surnames Have More Than One Coat of Arms?
Why do some surnames have more than one coat of arms? The answer lies in how heraldry developed. Historically, coats of arms belonged to individuals rather than entire surnames. Over the centuries, different people with the same surname could acquire, inherit or be granted different heraldic arms. This often surprises people researching a surname coat…
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What Do You Buy the Dad Who Has Everything?
What do you buy the dad who has everything? It is a question many people ask every Father’s Day. After all, if he already has plenty of socks, mugs, chocolates and gadgets, finding something meaningful can feel almost impossible. But don’t worry because we are here to help! The good news is that the best…
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A New Dunster Artwork Coming Soon to Our Shop
Since moving into our shop in Dunster, we have been thinking about how we can offer something truly special for the local community. We wanted to create a focal point that celebrates the village and gives visitors a meaningful way to remember their time here. That is why we have commissioned a brand new Dunster…
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Scottish Septs: Understanding How Some Surnames Belong to Larger Clans
What Are Scottish Septs? In Scotland, many surnames are connected to larger clans as what are called septs. A sept is a family or group of families who may not share the same surname as the clan chief but historically owed allegiance to the clan. Septs were often smaller branches of a clan, families living…
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Downloadable Coat of Arms Print: Access Your Name’s History Easily
Explore Your Name’s History with Ease Discovering the history of your surname has never been simpler. A downloadable coat of arms print provides access to the earliest recorded coat of arms associated with your name, based on historical records, not a personal or family-owned crest. These prints allow you to learn about the origins, meaning,…
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Dunster School launches a creative heraldry project
Dunster School has recently completed a wonderful school heraldry project. We were delighted to hear that the children have been busy designing coats of arms ready for the celebrations. With the Dunster Winter Festival approaching on 6 and 7 December, pupils have been creating hearldic shields with a wide variety of colourful symbols. (You can…