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Gender equality in the granting of Coats of Arms

Writer's picture: TomSleighTomSleigh

Updated: Jan 27

Did you know that coats of arms likely date back to the 12th century, as part of heraldry practise in the British Isles? And any of HM’s subjects who are deemed to be eminent could receive the grant of arms – people receive them in professional as wide ranging as public office, the armed forces and academia.

A fun coat of arms
A rather unusual coat of arms

However it has never been modernised, so the rules overseeing their award does not treat men and women equally.  For example women receive a slimmed-down version of the arms that a man would receive, and they are required to denote of a woman is married, single, widowed or divorced – none of which apply to men.  A woman’s coat of arms must also be derived from her father’s or husband’s.


Given so many roles at The City of London require a coat of arms, such as the position of Alderman and Sherrif, as well as Lord Mayor, this seem quite out of date with the modern City those positions are elected to promote.


This is why we’re supporting the campaign ‘Equality of Arms’ – who are seeking to achieve equality of the sexes in this ancient area.


The campaign's goals include:

• Ensuring that men and women are treated equally

• Addressing issues of entitlement, display, and inheritance

• Preventing discrimination based on biological sex

 

You can find them on linkedin here


 

 

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Promoted by Tom Sleigh, on behalf of himself, Simon Duckworth, Karina Dostalova, Simon Burrows, Shravan Joshi and Ben Murphy. All of 60 Grimsby St, E2 6ES

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