Heraldry in Medieval Ireland I: Prolegomena

The introduction of heraldic shield-devices to Ireland was a consequence of the Norman invasion. Evidence of their use and development is found on tombs and seals, perhaps the greatest repository of the latter being the Ormond collection, formerly in Kilkenny Castle, now in the National Library of Ireland, Dublin. Many, but by no means all, of the coats of arms and shields found in these sources are recorded in the English rolls of arms.