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 use our free coat of arms template to design your own!) Their enthusiasm has been inspiring, and their artwork has shown real imagination. A huge well done to the staff and children who have been involved in this fantastic and creative project. We can see that imaginations have been let loose, with lots of symbols being used in the artworks.

Since opening our Dunster shop, we have enjoyed becoming part of the community, and the school is clearly one of the things at its heart. We hope that the children enjoyed exploring heraldry. Their creativity around the topic of coats of arms has reminded us why we enjoy sharing this subject. Under the leadership of Mr Paul James, the school website describes it as “a haven of learning… surrounded by breath-taking landscapes. As a happy, kind, and caring school, we are proud to be at the heart of our supportive community, unwavering in our commitment to place children at the centre of all we do.” Judging on this project, the children have been getting well and truly immersed in their work!

A fun project for schools and families

This school heraldry project is simple for teachers to organise and easy for families to try at home. Our free coat of arms template offers a clear starting point. It allows children to explore colour, symbols and meaning while learning about heraldic traditions. The children at Dunster have created theirs on cardboard shields which they will be able to carry. So you could copy their example and cut out a shape that you like. But equally you could do yours on a piece of A4 paper and cut it out afterwards.

Some children become curious about the earliest historically recorded coat of arms associated with a bearer of their own surname. Families can explore further through our online dictionary of heraldry symbols, which explains the meaning behind many traditional images. This resource helps young learners choose symbols which they feel reflect their character or achievements.

Families can also browse our blog to learn more about surnames, heritage and the stories behind different coats of arms.

Looking ahead to the Dunster Winter Festival

This project forms part of the village’s preparations for the Dunster Winter Festival. The event brings the village together and offers a warm, festive atmosphere for residents and visitors. We are excited to take part for the first time since opening our doors and look forward to celebrating with the community.

Photo above by Nina Dodd Photography

During the festival, we welcome families to visit us on Dunster High Street. Our team will be happy to discuss surnames, heraldry and the history behind the earliest recorded coats of arms linked to different names. Visitors can also explore a wide range of meaningful gifts in store.

Explore our collection of heritage-inspired items:

Prints and scrolls

Crystal and glass gifts

Shields and plaques

Watches and clocks

Homeware

Gifts for her

Gifts for him

You can also explore more surname and heraldry topics on our main blog.

Visit us in Dunster

We look forward to welcoming everyone during the festival and throughout the year. Please visit our Dunster shop to explore heraldry, surnames and unique personalised gifts. Or alternatively you can call us on 01984 632120 or email info@hallofnames.org.uk.

Use our free template you can use to help you create a design for your club or organisation. It’s aimed at kids but can be used by adults too!

We hope you have enjoyed seeing the beautiful work of the Dunster School Children – here are just a few more to be impressed by!

The post Dunster School launches a creative heraldry project appeared first on Hall of Names.

Updated April 2026 with additional FAQs and guidance from Hall of Names.

How to Use a Coat of Arms Template

A coat of arms template usually includes a shield shape that can be divided into sections for colours, symbols, animals, and patterns. You can use it to create a personal design based on hobbies, values, achievements, or family history.

Heraldry became popular in medieval Europe when knights needed clear symbols to identify themselves in battle and tournaments. Over time, coats of arms developed into formal designs used by individuals, institutions, and communities.

Popular additions include:

Stars for ambition

Lions for courage

Eagles for leadership

Crowns for honour

Trees for growth

Books for learning

Coat of Arms Templates for Schools and Families

Templates remain popular for classroom history projects, creative homework, and family activities. Children often enjoy designing shields that represent their personality, interests, or future ambitions.

This makes heraldry a fun way to learn about symbols, colours, and storytelling.

Heraldic images

If you’d like to use some traditional images from heraldry, then take a look at our online dictionary of symbols. You’re sure to find lots of inspiration! For example, did you know that an acorn signifies independence and that the oak leaf is a religious symbol of faith? In fact, it’s got its own entire language, so if you’d like to find out more, we have lots of blog posts about heraldry. If you find something you think represents you well, add it to your coat of arms template.

Unique image

Maybe you’d like to create your own symbolism or show images of your own imagination? For example, you could make up a creature or draw a picture of your own home of family. Remember it is just for fun so use your imagination! If you are a child designing your coat of arms template and you need help, you could ask a friend to help with ideas, or talk to a teacher or perhaps someone in your family.

 What is a coat of arms?

It is a special symbol that people used to use a long time ago to represent their family. Even as far back in time as the 1100s! It’s like a special logo that shows the family’s coat of arms, where they came from and what they were important for.

A coat of arms has a shield with different pictures and colours on it. These might represent things like the type of work their family did, where they lived, or even something special about their family’s history. It’s a bit like having a special flag or badge that shows everyone who you are and where you come from. This could be especially important on the battlefield.

Our coat of arms template is just for fun. If you wanted to have your own real coat of arms you have to be awarded it or inherit it from a member of your family. The ones we use with our surname history scrolls are the earliest known coat of arms relating to a bearer of the name.

What elements should you include on your coat of arms template?

Shield: This is the central and most prominent feature of a coat of arms. It is usually shaped like a shield and serves as the background for the other elements. Our coat of arms template has a traditional shape and for artwork purposes, we have divided it into four sections.

Charges: These are the symbols or images that are placed on the shield. Charges can be anything from animals, plants, and weapons to abstract shapes and patterns. This is where you can be really creative!

Crest: This is the design that sits on top of the shield. It usually consists of an animal, bird, or other creature, and often represents the family’s values or accomplishments. What will you choose?

Supporters: These are the figures or animals that are positioned on either side of the shield to hold it up. Supporters are usually animals that are significant to the family or the region. Lions and unicorns often feature prominently. What will you put on your coat of arms template?

Motto: This is a short phrase or saying that appears on a ribbon or scroll below the shield. The motto often expresses the values, beliefs, or aspirations of the family or organisation. You could even translate your motto into another language.

Add colour to your coat of arms template

Did you know that colours in heraldry also contain meaning? Here is a helpful list in case you’d like to think about this when completing your coat of arms template. Plus, we have also included the ‘heraldic name’ of the colour. Of course, you don’t have to stick to these colours or include them for meaning, these are just ideas.

Red (Gules) = Military fortitude and magnanimity

Blue (Azure) =Loyalty and truth

Black (Sable) =Constancy, and sometimes grief

Green (Vert) = Hope, joy and sometimes loyalty in love

Purple (Purpure) Royal majesty, sovereignty and justice

Gold (Or) Worthy ambition

Silver (Argent) Peace and sincerity

You could colour in your coat of arms template with pencils, crayons, pens, paints or chalks – it is totally up to you. Bright and bold colours often stand out more.

Time to begin!

Now you’ve got your coat of arms template, it’s time for the fun part. Decide which ‘charges’ you feel best describe you or your interests and put these on the shield. Add a helmet on top of the shield with a crest attached to the top of it. Decide on your motto and which colours you’ll use for the whole thing. And don’t forget to add your supporters at each side.

We’d love to see your designs!

Click on the link to download your Coat of Arms Template.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a coat of arms template?

A coat of arms template is a blank shield design used for creative projects, learning, or personal artwork.

Are coat of arms templates good for schools?

Yes. They are popular for history lessons, medieval topics, and creative activities.

Can I design my own coat of arms?

You can design a personal heraldic-style shield for fun or display, although official grants follow formal rules in some countries.

What symbols can I use?

Many people choose animals, colours, tools, books, stars, or shapes that represent their values or interests.

Can I explore heraldry linked to my surname?

Many surnames have historically recorded heraldic designs associated with early bearers of the name.

Discover Heraldry Linked to Your Surname

If you would like to explore the earliest historically recorded coat of arms associated with your surname, Hall of Names offers personalised surname history prints, framed artwork, shields, glassware, and heritage gifts inspired by established heraldic records.

Browse the collection or search for your surname today.

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