wonnacott.org

WONNACOTT.ORG

WONNACOTT COAT OF ARMS - HERALDRY

If you are looking for our coat of arms , don't waste your time. Please be aware that our research shows that the Wonnacott family name originated from simple farming folk in N.W Devon - North Cornwall.
As such the Wonnacotts have no recorded Coat of Arms , Heraldic Emblems or Seals etc directly linked to the name.

Do not believe the claims as published by some commercial websites whose primary aim is to sell articles ranging from plaques, scrolls, mugs and beer mats, tee shirts which are "personalised" with your Family Coat of Arms, Heraldic Shield or Surname.
There is no evidence of a notable family seat in Staffordshire etc as purported by one company.

However if you just want some fun then by all means try their mechandise but do not be under any illusion that there is any truth in the details you may recieve from them or is printed on the product you have purchased.

Coat of Arms
A Coat of Arms came into use during the 12th Century. During battles where the knights leading the battlegroups were clad in armour , helmets had nose bridges or even only eye slits. Therefore some recognition as to who they were and who to muster behind became paramount. The Coat of Arms was used on an individual basis.
Therefore the Coat of Arms did not belong to a family but only to the individual that it was designed for and use when he was going into battle . These were initially put on shields and banners. Later a surcoat worn over the armour also carried this designed emblems and the "Coat of Arms" was born.

By the 15th Century as designs became more elaborate a new industry of Heraldry was spawned which speciallised in individual designs and cataloguing individual designs.
By the time of Henry III of England, coats of arms became inherited. With the inheritance of coats of arms, the families judicial regulation became of importance and the practice of inherited Coats of Arms with minor changes , to identify one son from another, became custom and practice during the fifteenth century.

For more on this topic Heraldry at answers.com