Author: Jo Laver
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The Soldiers of Gloucester Museum Launches Hall of Names
The Soldiers of Gloucester Museum Launches Hall of Names This popular museum, located in Gloucester’s historic docks, is in dedication to the memory of all those who have served their country as Soldiers of Gloucestershire. Fascinating displays and story boards provide a vivid insight into the lives of the soldiers that have served in Gloucestershire…
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National Siblings Day
It’s National Siblings Day! Do you have a brother or sister? Perhaps you are a twin or part of an extended family? National Siblings Day is celebrated in the United States on April 10th, so we are looking at where this tradition started and why. National Siblings Day – Where did it come from? Claudia…
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Father’s Day Traditions
Father’s Day Traditions It is fast approaching that time of year when we celebrate our fathers, and thank them for all that they do for us. We thought it would be interesting to look at some different traditions from around the world, why we celebrate Father’s Day traditions and how. As with many traditional family…
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Tracing Your Family Tree – Top Ten Tips
Tracing Your Family Tree – Top Tips Our extensive database of surname histories and coats of arms helps you to trace the history of your own surname, and fascinating facts about its origin. If you are thinking of tracing your specific family history, there are several things to consider which could help you on your…
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Pembroke Castle – Hall of Names Success!
Pembroke Castle – Hall of Names Success! As a jewel in the crown of Wales’s historic past, Pembroke Castle is a fabulous historic attraction. They were looking at new ways to generate revenue for the charitable trust. In May, Retail Manager Susan Bulkeley decided that surname histories from Hall of Names could be just the…
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The Symbolism of Weddings
The Symbolism of Weddings Are you organising a wedding? Making the big day special and meaningful is important whatever your budget. The history and tradition behind marriage is rich in symbolism and meaning. Many of the terms and symbols in modern usage originated centuries ago – here are just a few. You might get some…
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Christmas Decorations Heraldry & Their Heraldic Meaning
Christmas Decorations Heraldry – The Heraldic Meaning of Traditional Festive Symbols At this time of year, thoughts turn to seasonal decoration… The shops are full of foliage to transform our homes into a festive wonderland. Wreaths and swags adorn gateways and mantle pieces. Trees are festooned with baubles and the imagery is often rich in…
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Canterbury Tales – Success With Coats of Arms!
Canterbury Tales – Success With Coats of Arms! As one of Kent’s most loved visitor attractions, Canterbury Tales is at the forefront of offering a top visitor experience, where people can discover more about Chaucer’s famous tales of medieval misadventure. Recently the Hall of Names system was installed. Thus enabling the sales team to print…
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Animals In Heraldry: Symbolism and Meaning (Part Three)
Animals In Heraldry: Symbolism and Meaning (Part Three) Animals in heraldry and heraldic symbolism featuring creatures both real and mythological is commonly found in heraldry and here are just a few examples. Is there an animal feature on your coat of arms? The Ape – Animals In Heraldry In heraldry, the ape is a symbol of…
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Animals in Heraldry: Symbolism and Meaning (Part Two)
Animals in Heraldry: Symbolism and Meaning (Part Two) Continuing on the theme of animals in heraldry, here are some examples of representations where we use animal symbolism to identify significant characteristics of the arms bearer. The bat – animals in heraldry This was an intimidating heraldic symbol used to inspire fear in enemies. In…






































