JAG - Differencing

Journalists’ & Authors’ Guide to Heraldry and Titles

Differencing a.k.a. Cadency

Chapter Ten

Modifying lines

IN THE EARLIEST TIMES the variation of the lines of an ordinary or sub-ordinary was a simple means to difference shields within a family, appearing in most cases to follow on after other differences had already been applied. The famous family of la Zouche offers a good example. The arms of the senior branch, Gules ten bezants 4, 3, 2 and 1, became for a junior branch Gules bezanty and then later, acknowledging a claim to Brittany, ermine was added.

The specimens shown here begin with an ermine chief, then an ermine quarter, then an ermine canton, and finally, as an example of what this chapter examines, a canton with its base indented.

Richard la Zouche

Roger la Zouche

John la Zouche

William la Zouche

Arbuthnott provides another example, the embattlement of a bordure, but bordures will be treated separately in a later article.

Arbuthnott of that Ilk, Viscount of Arbuthnott

Arbuthnott of Auchterforfar

Arbuthnott of Findowrie

Arbuthnott of Balglessie

The Bruce family provides some earlier examples.

Bruce of Balcaskie

Bruce of Newton

Bruce of Garbet

Bruce of Mowanes

An interesting variation on the theme can be found in the Drummond family where Drummond of Concraig and Borlands has taken the wavy line from the Chief’s Or three bars wavy to act as a partition line in fess between the livery colours. This is undoubtedly a fine example of uncluttered, elegant and easily distinguished heraldry.