Crowns and Coronets
Crowns, and their smaller counterparts the Coronets also played important roles in Medieval society. Each type of Coronet represented a title or position. These allowed their wearers to communicate their position wordlessly. In the Society of the Middle Ages they also relay a person’s earned titles. The following list are the approved Crowns/Coronets and their relative station.
Golden colored spurs are reserved for Knights starting at the first level of Knight Batchelor. The only exception is when necessary for equestrian activities and should be removed as soon as possible afterwards unless the user has attained the rank of Knight Bachelor. All other colors of spurs are reserved for those participating in equestrian activities.
Ornate circlets, simple tiaras/diadems, and chapeaux trimmed in ermine – reserved for those who have been given the right to bear arms. These will not be registered as armourial elements given their generic nature which may cause confusion with more common heraldic elements of similar design.
Coronets bearing only pearls (4 to 6) – reserved to those of baronial rank or equivalent.
Coronets bearing only pearls (8 or more) – reserved to those of viscounty rank or equivalent.
Coronets alternating strawberry leaves with pearls – reserved to those of county rank or equivalent. Note that for the purpose of this reservation, marquess rank is considered equivalent to county rank.
Coronets bearing only strawberry leaves – reserved to those of ducal rank or equivalent.
Coronets bearing 4 crosses pattee are reserved for the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of a Principality and may not be registered as armorial elements since the office is a temporary designation for any one individual. Such Coronet may be adorned with semi-precious stones and depictions of the Principality Arms for each Principality within the Society
Coronets bearing 6 or more crosses pattee are reserved for the Archduke and Arch Duchess of a Principality and may not be registered as armorial elements since the office is a temporary designation for any one individual. Such Coronet may be adorned with semi-precious stones and depictions of the Principality Arms for each Principality within the Society
Crowns bearing 4 vertical oak leaves are reserved for the Heirs to a King/Queen/Sovereign of Arms position and may not be registered as armorial elements since the office of King of Arms is a temporary designation for any one individual. Such Crown may be adorned with semi-precious stones.
Crowns bearing 6 or more vertical oak leaves are reserved for Kings/Queens/Sovereigns of Arms and may not be registered as armorial elements since the office of King of Arms is a temporary designation for any one individual. Such Crown may be adorned with semi-precious stones.
Useful Information
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Geography Terms of the SMA
Terms like Shire, Province, March, Castle, etc... can be confusing. Click here to learn the differece between the different levels of group from the local level to the Kingdoms of the Realm!
Nobility and Titles
Learn about what titles and recognitions can be achieved as a participating member of the Society of the Middle Ages.
Fealty and Homage
Learn the difference between Fealty and Homage, and how each play an important rol in the SMA!
The Councils
Learn of the imporance of Councils in the Middle Ages, and how they play a role in the SMA.Â
The Crown
Learn what The Crown is.
Who are Royal Peers?
Personas
What is a Persona?
What role does it play, and what does it mean to me?
Crowns and Coronets
Learn of the roles of Crowns and Coronets in the SMA, and what titles/positions wear them. Each represents a special honor in the SMA.
Guide to Knighthood in The Society of the Middle Ages
You can also find a wonderully comprehensive Guide to Knighthood that has been put together by Sir Galen of Bristol for all to use! Click Here to access the guide and start your own journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
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