Debased heraldry

However some early heraldry was debased, for example the arms of the Bishop of Chichester, overly complex in nature.

Thomas de Insula (Thomas de Lisle (c. 1298–1361)), Bishop of Ely (1345–61), bore Gules, three bezants, on each a crowned king, robed sable, doubled ermine, sustaining a covered cup in his right hand and a sword in his left, both or.

No doubt, like the arms of the Sees of Chichester and Salisbury, this extraordinary coat was meant to be painted on a banner.

Camden (1551–1623) granted a great number of coats, mostly of a complex character, and since his time heraldic taste has not improved.

Tetlow (granted 1760 (of Houghton, Manchester, Lancashire[2][3]) bore (as crest): On a book erect gules, clasped and leaved or, a silver penny argent, thereon written the Lord’s Prayer; at the top of the book a dove proper, in his beak a crowquill pen sable.