This site has been created by Larry D. Smith, previously an
Elder and the Heraldry Consultant of the Muirhead Clan Society.
Here you will find general information about heraldry along with
some specific information about the heraldic achievements
granted to Muirhead ancestors. Heraldry began as a system of
insignia which, when applied to a banner, shield or clothing
would identify the bearer. Instituted originally as a means of
identification for warring factions, heraldry eventually evolved
into a system of honor by which descendants of a particular
individual (who had distinguished himself in some way and was
granted a coat of arms) could identify themselves as kinsmen of
that individual. The thing that most people associate with
heraldry is the coat of arms. It is often believed that the
entire design as shown in the following example is the thing
that is called a coat of arms. The actual coat of arms is simply
the shield shaped element in the center of the entire design.
The coat of arms got its name from