Flags, Banners, and Heraldic Displays

Flags, Banners, and Heraldic Displays
HLd Damian Nihthauk
(ODH, OBR, APFx2, OCK, OSO, OW, ODB)
Rey Barreto
© 2011
rbarreto@pnc.edu

“And the children of Israel . . . pitched by their standards, and so set forward, every one after
their families, according to the house of their fathers” (Book of Numbers 2 v. 34)
This quote from the Old Testament illustrates the length of time that displays have been
used to designate authority and/or allegiances. Staff emblems, known as vexilloids, were first
recorded by the Babylonians around 3000 BC. Since that time, the Egyptians, Persians,
Chinese, Mongols, Japanese and Romans, to name a few, have used such displays. (Figure 1)
The first cloth banners were employed by the Greek navy about the 5 th century BC.
Roman cavalry employed a red cloth banner called a vexillium with the unit name or number from
the 1 st Century AD. (Figure 2) Flag banners were subsequently used by the Byzantines (called a
labarum), the Mongols, and even the Vikings.
In the Bayeux Tapestry, pre-heraldic pennons and banners are seen being employed by
both the Normans and the English Saxons. King Harold II of England is seen fighting under the
“Golden Dragon of Wessex”, a vexilloid standard first introduced by the West Saxon conquerors
of Britain around 750, while his men are carry several types of lance pennons. Duke William
displayed the Papal banner (gonfannon) of Pope Alexander and his men carry the raven banner of
the Norseman along with other lance pennons. Indeed, the Bayeux Tapestry may represent the
western European transition between the Roman vexilloid, and the eastern flag banners.
During the Crusades, “the Wars of the Cross”, the Crusader Knights were sent to free
the Holy Lands under the symbol of the Cross by Pope Urban II (1095 – 1099). Banners charged
with crosses (red by the French, white by the English, green by the Flemish) were carried at the
head of their armies. These flags were subsequently spread throughout Western Europe. With
the development and use of hereditary heraldry in the 11 th - 12 th centuries, all of the tools for the
flags and banners familiar to all students of the middle ages were in place.
This article demonstrates the use and construction of a number of flag style banners
employed throughout western and central Europe during the middle ages. It also tries to illustrate
how members of the SCA can design, build and display such flags to enhance the flavor of the
current Middle Ages.
Figure 1; Roman Vexilloid Figure 2; Roman Cavalry
Staff Standard Vexillium

Banners
The banner (also known as a lieutenant) was the principle heraldic flag of the nobility, usually
knights, throughout the Middle Ages, their use dates to the 12 th century. To raise ones banner at a
tournament or on a field of battle were clear indications of the presence of the holder on the field
and his commitment to the cause at hand. Since, on the battlefield, banners acted as a command
point, an armiger would only carry one onto the field.
A banner is usually depicted as square in shape emblazoned with the arms of the holder as
they appear on the shield. The size of the banner depended on the stature of the bearer with that of
the King - 5 ft square, Prince or Duke – 4 ft square, other nobility - 3 ft square. When
orienting the banner, the principle (obverse) side has the dexter (left) side of the device next to the
staff (hoist side of the banner) and the sinister (right) side at the fly end. (Figure 3) The reverse
(back) side of the banner is the mirror image of the obverse with the hoist to sinister and charges
and divisions mirroring the front. (Figure 4)
While banners were generally square in shape, oblong (rectangular) banners with the depth
being greater than the width were common in the 12 th and 13 th centuries. (Figure 5) They could be
free flying, (as depicted above) or be supported with a horizontal crossbar extending from the staff.
In such a configuration, the crossbar is usually passed through a sleeve at the top of the banner and
it was not uncommon for part of the banner to be cut away to reveal the crossbar. (Figure 6)
Other configurations could include banners bordered with livery colors, fringed banners or ones
with a Schwenkel (long tails) extending from the upper fly. (Figure 7)
While the banner was traditionally used only by Kings, Barons, or Knights (Bannerets),
those that led men in battle, no such restriction exists in the SCA. The only requirement in the
Society for the construction and display of a heraldic banner is a device properly registered with
the College of Heralds.
Figure 3; Banner-Obverse Figure 4; Banner – Reverse

Figure 5; Oblong Banner Figure 6; Supported Banner with Crossbar
Figure 7; Banner with Schwenkel
Gonfalon (Gonfannon)
The Gonfalon is the medieval equivalent of the vexillium banners employed by the Roman
Legions. The gonfalon itself can trace its history to 8 th century Italy and the banner (gonfannon)
used by Pope Leo III (750-816). As with Banners, a gonfalon was traditionally employed by
rulers or leaders acting with the approval and/or sanction of the Church. Unlike the banner, the
gonfalon of the middle ages is therefore associated with church related ecclesiastical activities. In
the later middle ages, the gonfalon was also associated with trade and civil guilds.
In construction, the gonfalon was square or rectangular and was generally displayed from
a crossbar attached to a vertical staff with a rope or cord. (Figure 8a) They could also be hung
from walls or ceiling beams during ceremonies and processions. Usually, there were multiple tails
or tongues along its lower edge. Because of its mode of display, the “hoist – fly” positions of other
flags and banners do not apply as the top is now the hoist and the bottom the fly. Consequently,
when a gonfalon was flown from a traditional vertical staff, where it is called a gonfannon, the top
is next to the staff in the hoist position. (Figure 8b) The gonfalon could display the complete
heraldic achievement or only the shield arms or badges. Non-heraldic and/or religious images
could also be displayed.
In SCA practice, the gonfalon can be employed in much the same way as the banner.
Indeed, the shield shaped “banners” generally displayed at events can more accurately be described
as gonfalons. The images that can be used on a gonfalon are as described but the use of nonheraldic
or religious symbols should be employed with great care.

Pennon
Figure 8a; Gonfalon Figure 8b; Gonfannon
with Arms with arms
The simplest flag used during the Middle Ages was the pennon or more accurately,
pennoncelle, displayed from a lance or staff. They were originally carried by lesser knights as
personal flags and indicate their presence on the field in much the same way as the banner for
greater lords. They could also be used to designate bodies of men in service to a knight or lord as
seen by the pennons flying from their lances.
The pennon is a smaller flag being less than 3 feet in length. They can taper to a simple
point (Figure 9), have a swallow-tail (Figure 10), or be triangular.(Figure 11) A simple pennon
will have a field of a single color charged with the arms or badge of the holder. The livery pennon
is divided lengthwise (per pale) between the primary colors (or metals) of the device. They are
generally charged with the badge of the holder, however, when so charged, the badge should be
oriented so that it will be positioned “correctly” when the lance is leveled as in a charge. (Figures
12 and 13)
While the pennon was traditionally used by knights on the field, no such restrictions
exist in the SCA. Any armigerous person can display their badges on a pennon.
Figure 9; Tapered Pennon Figure 10; Swallow Tailed Pennon
Figure 11; Triangular Pennon

Standard
Figure 12; Livery Pennon and Badge Figure 13; Leveled Pennon
The greatest of the medieval livery flags in both size and complexity of design was the
standard. In battle, they were used as headquarter flags or, as used in Scotland, as muster point
markers for the Clans. Anyone entitled to a heraldic banner was also entitled to one or more
standards. Unlike the banner, the standard does not necessarily denote the presence of the owning
lord.
Standards are the largest of the heraldic flags, usually from 8 – 10 ft in length for a battle
standard. During the Tudor period, specific lengths were prescribed to different ranks of nobility;
King – 8 yards, Duke - 7 yards, Marquesse - 6 1/2 yards, Earl - 6 yards,
Viscounts - 5 1/2 yards, Barons - 5 yards, Knights - 4 yards.
The shape of the fly was also specified by rank with peers being entitled to a split or swallowtailed
fly and non-peers a rounded one. (No such limitations exist in the SCA).
The construction of a standard generally followed specific guidelines. The standard
Never displayed the complete achievement or arms of the owner. (Note: modern standards display
the arms of the holder in the hoist). Standards generally tapered and had a variety of shapes,
ending in rounded swallow-tails (Figure 14), rounded tail (Figure 15), or pointed tail (Figure 16).
The medieval standard had the national ensign in the hoist such as the English Cross of St.
George (Figure 14). Some Kingdoms in the SCA have specific badges or emblems designated for
use in standards. In the absence of such an emblem, the official Kingdom badge (Figure 15) or
some component thereof can be used. (Kingdom principle herald can be contacted for advice). The
remainder of the field is divided either horizontally (Figure 14) or by bands (Figure 15) into the
livery colors of the holder. The field is charged with the crest or principle heraldic charge and
badges of the owner. The owner’s motto is generally incorporated into the standard in diagonal
bands or just spelled out along the length. The entire standard is surrounded in ribbons, rope, or
border of the livery colors.
A nautical version of the standard is found in the form of the streamer. These were very
long and narrow, being up to 30 – 40 yards in length, so as to be seen from great distance.
Streamers tapered to a point or sharp swallow-tail and were divided by the livery colors (though
solid colored versions occurred). They had the national ensign in the hoist and were charged with
crests and/or badges of the ship owner or commander. Unlike a land standard, the streamer
generally did not have a motto or a border. (Figure 16)
Figure 14; Standard with
Rounded Swallow–tail and
Horizontally divided livery
colors bearing the English

Cross of St. George in the
hoist
Figure 15; Standard with
rounded tail and diagonal
livery bands with motto
bearing the Midrealm Badge
in the hoist
Figure 16; Standard
(Streamer) with pointed
tail bearing the Pale from
the Badge of the Midrealm
in the hoist
Guidon
The guidon was a small version of the standard carried before a troop of retainers. In
battle, it was used as a muster and rally point for a given group of men-at-arms. They could also
fulfill the function of a standard for lesser lords and knights. Unit or regimental flags used in
modern military units can trace their lineage directly to the guidon. In size, the guidon was
smaller than the standard, measuring up to 8 ft in length and tapered to a rounded end. As with a
standard, it bore the national ensign in the hoist and was composed of the livery colors. They were
charged with either the chest or a single badge. Unlike a standard, the guidon was generally not
bordered and bore no motto. (Figure. 17)
Pinsel
Figure 17; Guidon
The pinsel (pinsil) is a triangular type of standard unique to Scotland, being used
exclusively by Clan Chiefs and Barons. The pinsel is 4 1/2 feet in length, 2 feet in width and
divided and/or bordered in the livery colors. In the hoist is displayed the crest of the owner
within a circular belt or strap and buckle. The circle has the title of the owner or the motto of his
order of peerage and is surmounted with his coronet of rank. In the fly is found a scroll inscribed
with the owner’s motto and badges. (Figure 18)
While the pinsel is limited to Scottish Chiefs or Great Lords, no such restriction exists
within the SCA as to persona nationality or rank. The use of a coronet of rank is restricted to
one appropriate to the owner. Further, as SCA Orders generally do not have specific mottoes
and do not use a circular belt or strap and buckle, these components of the pinsel could be replaced

with an appropriate annulet of the order. (Figure 19) Again, the local, regional or principle herald
of the Kingdom should be contacted for advice.
Figure 18; Pinsel with circular belt Figure 19; Pinsel with chain annulet
and buckle of rank. of the Order of Chivalry.
Flag Construction and Display
After deciding on the type of flag to be made and the images to be displayed, the next
consideration is the construction. A sturdy material should be used in making the flag, especially if
it is intended for outdoor use where is will be exposed to wind and weather. While any stout
material will do, trigger cloth (sport poplin), the same material often used in rapier armor, has
proven to be an excellent choice as it is very sturdy and resists tearing, especially when used in
layers. It comes in a variety of colors for the field, and generally the color don’t run when wet or
fade much with age. White silk fabric has also become available from several sources. While less
durable than trigger, it produces a flag or banner that flies beautifully in the wind.
The mode of display must be designed into the flag either in the form of a vertical sleeve at
the hoist (for the shaft) and /or a horizontal sleeve at the top for a crossbar. Grommets can also be
used to fly the flag from flag pole using a rope. Images can be painted or embroidered onto the
field or appliquéd using a machine. Any other construction technique employed depends on the skill
or resources of the designer.
Once you have designed and constructed your flag, you still have to come up with some
way of displaying it. Remember, a 10 ft. long Standard requires, at least, a 10 ft pole to fly
properly. To this end, most SCA people have or have access to old pavilions that, at some time in
the past, have been destroyed by the wind. Yet, the poles have been retained because; "I can use
these for something someday". These "spare" poles make excellent flag poles! They disassemble
into an easily manageable size and, when coupled with a metal "portable hole" ground insert, make
very stable display platforms.
Similarly, Banners intended to be displayed horizontally must have a proper mode of
display designed. The simplest mode is to hang these from the horizontal poles of a sun shade or
pavilion. This provides an excellent visual display, clearly identifies the owner of the pavilion, and
can act as added shade on a hot, sunny day.

Epilogue
“The red figure of Mars, with spear and targe, so shineth in his broad white banner that the light
glanceth up and down the field, and beside his banner is borne his pennon of full rich gold, in which
was beaten out the Minotaur which he slew in Crete. Thus rideth this Duke, thus rideth this
conqueror, and the flower of chivalry in his host…”
(Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales; a Knight’s Tale)
The images thus brought forth are among the most compelling. Who among us in the
current Middle Ages can say that such images of banners flying have not inspired us at some time?
And few images can convert a high school gym into a medieval great hall faster than that of bright
banners and standards adorning the walls and dais.
With a little effort on our parts, such images can be created in a manner consistent with
that displayed in period. It takes no more effort to create these images correctly yet the result of
such effort can be both inspiring and unforgettable. Let us all put forth this effort, create these
images correctly, and thus, make the dream of the SCA as compelling as possible.

Glossary of Terms
Figure 20; Parts of a Flag
Achievement. A complete armorial bearing consisting of the shield with arms, motto,
supporters, helmet, wreath and crest.
Armorial Banner. General term referring to a square or rectangular flag fastened to a staff
or attached to a crossbar and whose field consists of the field and charges of
a heraldic Cost of Arms.
Badge. A device that is not part necessarily part of the Coat of Arms and is used
to identify retainers or personal property.
Banner. General shortened term for an armorial banner.
Border. A wide band surrounding a field of different color.
Charge. Any object placed on the field of a flag or heraldic device.
Crest. An armorial figure attached to the helmet above the shield of an
achievement of arms.
Crossbar. A horizontal bar bearing a flag.
Gonfalon. A long flag with a square or rectangular tail displayed from a crossbar.
Guidon. A small standard used as a guide for troops.

Ferrule. Metal ring at the top of the stall, just below the finial.
Finial. An ornament at the top of the staff.
Field. The whole area of the flag.
Fly. The second half of the flag opposite of the staff.
Hoist. The half of the flag nearest the staff.
Length. The dimension of the flag measuring from the staff to the end of the fly.
Livery colors. The principle colors of the Coat of Arms.
Obverse. The most important, front side of the flag with the staff at the left.
Pennant. General term for flags that are tapering, triangular or swallow-tailed in
shape.
Pennon. A small triangular or swallow-tailed flag attached to the end of a lance or
staff.
Pinsel. A triangular Scottish standard used by Clan chiefs and Barons.
Reverse. The less important side of the flag with the staff to the right.
Standard. The long tapering flag of a Great Lord charged with crests, badges and
motto.
Schwenkel. Triangular or rectangular tail extending from the upper fly of a medieval
flag.
Staff. A vertical shaft or pole onto which a flag is attached.
Streamer. A very long, narrow nautical standard.
Swallow-tailed. A flag with a triangular section cut from the fly.
Vexilloid. Staff standard used by the Romans, Greeks, and other ancient
civilizations.
Vexillium. A standard of the Roman cavalry consisting of a square cloth attached to a
crossbar.
Width. The dimension of a flag measured along the hoist.

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