There were three main types of standard used during these centuries. The one most commonly depicted during this period, were long tapering flags. These measured approximately three to four feet in depth and could be up to six yards in length, this was probably was governed by the rank of the owner. The tail, the furthest point from the staff ended in a single rounded point or the more common swallowtail, of two rounded points.

In the hoist, nearest the staff was the cross of St. George. This is always shown as argent a cross gules. The St George was the English field signs during the hundred year’s war and would always be shown on a standard if borne in a foreign land.

The field of the standard was of the livery colours, where there was more than one colour these would usually be divided per fess. The first colour would be uppermost and a border or fringe, which was almost always of the livery colours, or red and white if used abroad, would surround the banner. This gave the effect of a bordure company.

The motto was placed on traverse bands of material, which divided the standard into compartments for different badges. The origins of the motto may have been from the war cry or slogan used in battle e.g. the royal "DIEU ET MON DROYT" God is my Right or in the case of Sir Thomas Erpyngham "YENK" Think or "BEWAR" Beware.

The Standard of Sir Thomas Erpyngham borne at Azincourt 1415

The motto itself was usually a brief phrase expressing some pious, loyal or moral sentiment and as often as not played on the name of the bearer by alluding to the badge the motto accompanied.

The primary badge would be placed upon the field, these could include the main badge or if borne by a noble the crest or a heraldic supporter.

The secondary badges could be charges from the coat of arms, a device to note family alliance or a canting device. Canting was a play on the Christian or Surname i.e. Trumpington having three trumpets as part of the coat of arms.

Badges would be used more widely than a coat of arms and would become well known. A noble may only be spoken of by the badges he used and not by name.

The second type was of the size and shape of a banner where the field was of more than one livery colour they would be shown per pale, although it seems the field could be any colour. Only one badge would be displayed on this standard, normally the primary.

The Banner of Henry VI

The third appears as the first but would be only two feet deep, approximately six feet long and show only one badge of each type to denote different sections of the household, i.e. archers, men-at-arms.

The Liveries of William de Hastings

The tinctures of livery colours are exactly the same as those used in heraldry, however stains are used more frequently and furs are only seen as a colour for a badge. The English did not use the field of charges called Semé as a field colour, but in some cases the French did, this was almost always a Semé of fleur-de-lys, Or. As badges needed to be massed produced they had to be as simple as possible.

Livery colours can be displayed in the torse; this is the ring that separates the mantel or lambriquin and crest. Where livery coats are worn the "first colour" would be worn on the right hand (dexter) side.

 

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