Some examples of period Grants of Arms (and associated heraldic documents).
Right-click and view the image for a better view of each image.

The first two examples above are from the mid-1400's. Note the style here, with no illumination at all save that of the arms being granted. The text is small and finely written with at least one seal being depended from cords which are attached to the bottom of the vellum in lieu of any signatures by the granting party.

The second two examples are from the close of the 1400's in England. In the first example, there is a border down the left side and half-way across the top with a highly decorated capital which contains the arms of the grantee. In the second, there is a small illuminated capital directly to the right of a large achievement of arms. In both examples, there is either a seal or the place where once depended from the document and no signatures.

These next two examples from the latter part of the 1400's in England are more dramatic. In both examples, there is a extensive illumination on the left side and fully across the top with the granted armory with helm, crest, torse and mantling. A large illuminated capital dominates the first several lines of the text, which is invariably in an even and fine hand. Note, one can see the signatories at the very bottom, but also the seals.

By the mid to latter parts of the 1500's in England, we are starting to see a shift towards a document which is not only functional but also aesthetically appealing. Border-work all the way around, a large and auspicious achievement and a very fancy illumination. There are many examples of this style of grant, in part because the English College of Arms was formed in this time period and many of the grants have been archived.

And here we come almost full circle. These grants of arms date from the very close of the 1500's. The emblazons are tricked (meaning that there are small scribal abbreviations to show what the tinctures on the device are) instead of being illuminated. VERY functional and not terribly aesthetic.

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