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symbols more readily understood than heraldic bearings.* As emblems ofrank, they were frequently used by noblemen on their privy seals; andoften bore no reference to their family arms; but were assumed as beingbrief, though direct, allusions to their names. Such were the cognizances of

Arundell ...

Ferrers.

Bourchier ..

Grey.

Brooke ....

Heriz .

Bottreaux . .

Lucy .

Comyn ....

Mowbray ...

Corbet.

Vere .

Of the same nature was the rebus composed by the monks, — carvedon the bosses of groined cloisters, in commemoration of abbots, andothers who were benefactors.■f'

Raby Castle presents a very early instance of both the arms and cog-nizance applied to domestic architecture. Three shields of the Nevilles 'are upon the Gate-house; and the Bulmer-tower of the same edifice wasdistinguished by the badge of a bull and two large 93’s; but the bullhas been removed from the tower, and placed over the farm entrance.

The Gate-house of Hilton Castle is adorned with the banner ofEngland, and thirteen shields of the alliances of the barons of Hilton,placed over the arch, and three shields upon each flanking tower.

* “ Whilst you have fed upon my signories,

Disparked my parks, and felled my forest woods,

From mine own window torn my household coat,

Razed out my impress, leaving me no sign —

Save men’s opinions, and my living blood —

To shew the world I am a gentleman.”

King Richard II . Act III. Scene 1.t “ Or Prior Bolton, with his bolt and ton .”—Ben Jonson .