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The Molyneux Family
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The Molyneux Family
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Family Trees - Molyneux Family Trees - Other |
Crest History The following crest history is in three sections: A) The history of the crest (as shown on each web page) per an individual researcher. B) The history of the crest per an heraldry company, and C) Sketches of various Molyneux crests based on family origins. A) The first source is the person who painted the crest displayed on the initial cover page and what you see in the upper left corner of each web page. "Molyneux" Blazon of Arms Per Miriam Dunn Conkling, Lincoln, Nebraska. The blazon for these arms reads: azure, a cross Moline pierced lozengy or, a fleur de lis arg. in dexter chief. Crest -- an heraldic tiger passant argent, in dexter a cross Moline or. The cross Moline on the shield shows participation in the crusades. The fleur de lis shows the ancient French origin of the family. Thrown over the helmet and shoulders of the knight was a mantling to protect him from the sun and saber points. These became so ragged in battle that heraldic artists always show them in scroll or leaf design. Above the shield is the helmet of an Esquire. It is made of steel, trimmed in gold and lined in red silk. Above the helmet is the crest. This one is an heraldic tiger, an animal with the body of a lion and with a hook nosed wolf-like head. It is believed that this was an early heraldic artist's idea of a tiger. It is a favorite charge of the sixteenth century. To hide the joining of the crest to the helmet is a twisted scarf of the family colors. Only six twists may show. Gold represents air and means superiority and fineness of mind. Silver represents water and means peace and tranquility. Blue represents the sky and stands for truth and loyalty. The motto "Stat Fortuna Domus Virtue" means: "The good fortune of the house stands." Special Note: After creating this website, it was discovered that our family is from the English Branch, but the Coat of Arms is for the Irish Branch. Our family will have the English version formatted similar to the Irish version in the upper left corner and then present both on each web page. B) The second source is a company (House of Heraldry) that etched the crest onto wine goblets purchased from the company. I hope to get a picture posted as this crest is different from all others that are depicted on this page. "Molyneux" Blazon of Arms Per House of Heraldry ARMS: Azure, a cross Moline pierced, or, a fleur-de-lis, argent, in dexter chief. CREST: A heraldic tiger passant, argent, in the dexter paw a cross Moline, or. MOTTO: The good fortune of the house stands.
The following tables of charges and colors were provided by the House of Heraldry. Traditional Meaning of Heraldic Charges and Colors Per House of Heraldry
The House of Heraldry also provided a brief history of Heraldry. Heraldry Per House of Heraldry Heraldry is defined as the art or science of blazoning or describing in appropriate technical terms Coats of Arms and other heraldic and armorial insignia and is of very ancient origin. These badges of distinction were the reward of personal merit and could be secured by the humblest as well as the highest. They are today the testimonials and warrants of bravery, heroism and meritorious deeds of our ancestors. The name derived from the father is common in most countries. As children grew, it was not unusual to refer to them by the name of their parents. The addition of -son to a name would identify the offspring of a person. Thus we find the Scandinavian and English -son; the Greek -pulos; the Finnish -nen; the Polish -wiecz; the Spanish -ez all denoting son. The Irish O' means grandson while the prefix Mac, Mc indicates in Gaelic and Scottish, son. SYMBOLS: There is no specific meaning or explanation now available for the various designs and insignia used in Heraldry. The origin of most of these is now obscure. These have been evolved down the centuries by the Heralds when Arms were being granted, their number being added to as more Arms came into use. The principal heraldic devices in use may be taken from Animals, Birds, Reptiles, Insects, Trees, Plants, Flowers, Celestial Objects (Sun, Stars) and Monsters. The latter are bizarre and fantastic creatures drawn from classical and medieval mythology. CREST AND MOTTO: Variations are often found in the Crest and Motto used by various branches of one family, and sometimes no record of crest or motto can be traced. They may have been in use in ancient times, but with the passing of centuries they were omitted and forgotten. SPELLING OF SURNAMES: Various forms of spellings for the same basic name may be in use. These variations have arisen through changing the original form of spelling for personal or other reasons, or to shorten or simplify a difficult spelling or to render pronunciation easier. This applies particularly to numerous names of Irish and Continental European origin. C) The third source is page 324 in the "Molyneux Families" book. The format was modified from the original document to better display on the page. To see an enlarged version, click anywhere on the white background.
Below is the English branch crest as depicted in the Molyneux History book (page 16).
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Any possible copyrighted material on this website is used in accordance with 'Fair Use', for the purpose of study, review or critical analysis, and will be removed at the request of the copyright owner(s).
"The Molyneux Family" website is developed and maintained by Mark Molyneux. Forward comments/questions to Mark@Molyneux.ws Last Revised: Monday, December 28, 2009 04:57 PM
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