Supporters

:This article refers to supporters in heraldry. In British English, fans of sports teams are often referred to as supporters.

Related Topics:
British English - Fans - Sport

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In heraldry, supporters are figures placed on either side of the shield and depicted holding it up. These figures may be real or imaginary animals, human figures, and in rare cases plants or inanimate objects. Often these can have local significance, such as the fisherman and the tin miner granted to Cornwall County Council, or a historical link, such as the lion of England and unicorn of Scotland on the two variations of the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom. The arms of nutritionist John Boyd-Orr use two garb (wheat sheaf) as supporters. Letters of the alphabet are used as supporters in the arms of Valencia.

Related Topics:
Heraldry - Shield - Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom - John Boyd-Orr - Letter - Alphabet - Valencia

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Supporters are by default as close to rampant as possible if the nature of the supporter allows it (this does not need to be mentioned in the blazon), though there are some blazoned exceptions. Fierce animals are often depicted langue (with their tongue sticking out); this denotes a roar.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Supporters are typically an example of special royal favour, granted at the behest of the sovereign. Hereditary supporters are normally limited to hereditary peers, certain members of the Royal Family, chiefs of Scottish Clans, Scottish feudal barons whose baronies predate 1587. Non-hereditary supporters are granted to life peers, Knights of the Garter, Knights of the Thistle, Knights Grand Cross of the Bath and Knights Grand Cross of St Michael and St George, and knights banneret.

Related Topics:
1587 - Knights of the Garter - Knights of the Thistle - Knights Grand Cross of the Bath - Knights Grand Cross of St Michael and St George - Knights banneret

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In Canada, members of the Order of Canada, amongst others, are granted the use of supporters on their personal coats of arms.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~