13.
Besides these allusive animal charges
many others were used: Boar, Bull (a Bull's
head is found as the crest on the arms of
the Conyers family, formerly of Copt Hall)
Swan, Crane, Talbot and even insects - Hornets,
Bees (indicating industry) and Gadflies have
all appeared as charges. Mythical creatures
too are common, the dragon of Wales being one,
also the wyvern - a two-legged dragon which
appears on the Bayeaux tapestry as the emblem
of Wessex. Other mythical creatures used are
even more mysterious: the cockatric (a
wyvern with a cock's head) or the enfield
with a Fox's head, a Wolf's body, hind legs
and tail while Eagle's shanks and talons
form its forelegs. A rarely used charge but
it does appear today on the arms of Enfield
council.
The complete display of armorial
bearings or achievement includes usually two
supporters on either side of the shield
upholding and guarding it. Perhaps the best
known are the lion and unicorn which support
the Royal arms, but
again many other
creatures are used.
The arms (strictly
speaking of the
government) of Tas-
mania are supported
by two Thylacines
(the probably extinct
Tasmanian Tiger),
while the arms of
Australia are
supported by a
kangaroo and an emu.
The Commonwealth
interest in heraldry