Diamond Herald Badge

Diamond Principal Herald
Judith Wilkinson

Email: diamond@gleannabhann.net

Diamond Principal Herald: holds the overall responsibility for all heraldic activity with in the lands of Gleann Abhann. As such, the Diamond Principal Herald is the head of the Gleann Abhann College of Heralds. Diamond serves as the primary liaison between the College, Laurel Sovereign at Arms and the Crown.

Deputy: Vacant

Appropriate Use and Display of the Arms of Gleann Abhann

The heraldic arms for the King and Queen of Gleann have been approved and registered by the SCA College of Arms, and are blazoned thus:

Arms of the King (Arms of Gleann Abhann):

“Per pale gules and sable, a ram rampant within a laurel wreath, in chief a coronet argent”.

Arms of the Queen:

“Per pale gules and sable, a ram rampant within a wreath of roses, in chief a coronet argent”.

Please note that there are specific rules which govern the use and display of heraldic arms, especially that of official SCA branches. As a good rule of thumb to follow, no one except the King of Gleann Abhann, should use or display the Arms of the King of Gleann Abhann (which happens to be the Arms of Gleann Abhann). Additionally, no one, except the Queen of Gleann Abhann, should use or display the Arms of the Queen of Gleann Abhann. Generally speaking, the only exception to this policy would be for the Kingdom Level heralds (Diamond, Obsidian, Ruby, Blue Saphyre, Emerald, Topaz, and Amethyst) when they are “in uniform” and acting in an official heraldic capacity for the King or Queen at an event. Additionally, no one, except the Queen of Gleann Abhann, should use or display the Arms of the Queen of Gleann Abhann.

The Arms of the King and Queen should not be displayed, unless the King and Queen are physically “on site” where the Arms are actually being displayed. If/when the King and Queen “leave site” Their Arms should be taken down to indicate They are no longer present.

There is absolutely NO problem with anyone demonstrating their pride and support for Gleann Abhann, by displaying the Kingdom colors, or the “ram badge”. In fact, you are highly encouraged to do so! The more heraldic display and pageantry, the better, and the more “colorful” our Dream becomes. But just remember………….. there are “right” ways and “wrong” ways to go about doing it.

If anyone desires to display something which says, or shows an affiliation with, “Gleann Abhann”, then here are a few suggestions for you to follow…..

 

For gonfalons: “Per pale gules and sable, a ram rampant argent”.

Gonfalon

For flags: “Per fess gules and sable, a ram rampant argent”.

Flag

For tabards: “Per pale gules and sable, a ram rampant argent”.

Tabard

For escutcheons: “Per pale gules and sable, a ram rampant argent”.

Escutcheon

Any of these suggestions would be perfectly acceptable for “general use”. Please note that nowhere in these designs do you see a “wreath” or a “coronet” being used, which is exactly how it should be. The “laurel wreath” is a RESERVED and RESTRICTED charge used exclusively to denote an official SCA Branch, or the HEAD of an official SCA Branch. It can not, and should not, be used or displayed by just “anybody”. Likewise, a “wreath/chaplet of roses” and a “crown/coronet” have very specific meanings as well, and their use is highly restricted. If you have any doubts or concerns about what you are actually eligible to display, please contact either your local herald/pursuivant, or the Diamond Herald, for assistance and guidance in this matter.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.