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 he following links are just a starting point for
anyone interested in tracing their family history. In addition to the links, I
have added some coats of arms that were specially designed for me by my good
friend, Jane Murphy.
Links to other sites:
A database of surnames:
The
Genealogical Database index
Tools, maps, books and more:
Global
Genealogical Supply
Another example of research into one's family history:
Gosnell
Family and first name index
Public domain texts related to medieval and Byzantine
history:
The
Medieval Sourcebook
Origins of the Old English alphabet:
Old
English alphabet
Maps of Anglo-Saxon England:
The
Old English Pages
Everything about Old English language and literature:
Old
English Bibliography
Fancy a medieval recipe? - look no further:
The
Medieval/Renaissance Food Homepage
Links to everything Anglo-Saxon - history, literature,
bible etc:
Hanly's
WSU Anglo-Saxon Page
Personalised coats of arms:
These coats of arms were specially designed for me by
my good friend, Jane Murphy. They are (mainly) based on the highlights of my
life and may give you some ideas for your own designs.
There is a brief note with each one explaining how the
design originated.
This is my personal favourite, and I
have adopted it as my official coat of arms. The main colour is gold (for
nobility), and it is made up from all the letters in the name 'AYLING'. It bears
the inscription 'ERIMUS' - 'we will be'.
This clever design incorporates three
elements which relate to me. Firstly, the guitar is there because I played in a
rock band in the late 70's and early 80's. Although we didn't make the big time,
we certainly got off the bottom rung of the ladder, made a record and even
influenced (now) much bigger bands! Secondly, those of you who are paying
attention may notice that the guitar is in the shape of Hayling Island in
Hampshire, England.The third element is the handpump (used in the dispense of
beer). This is because I love beer and I am currently the Chairman of the
Newark-On-Trent branch of
CAMRA
- The Campaign for Real Ale. The inscription reads 'Innovative Talent'
The dart board shield here is because I
am a double world-record holder. In 1989 I was one of a ten-man team that scored
a world-beating 657,886 points in 24 hours on a Lincoln doubles board. A year
later, 413,739 was scored by an eight-man team on the same board in 12 hours.
A more traditional design, attractive
in it's simplicity, again featuring the outline of Hayling Island.
The space design is based purely on my
interest in astronomy and the space programme. Spot the Soyuz, top left! The
inscription reads 'With Song We'll Prosper - another reference to my rock'n'roll
years!
A light-hearted approach, a pair of
Y-fronts and socks! The inscription reads 'Yerv Gott Ter Larff'!
Not one of Jane's designs, but I
thought I'd better include it! The above design is officially illustrated in
'Burke's General Armoury'. The original description of the arms is 'AR. three
chess-rooks SA.'. Translated, this becomes 'Silver; three black chess rooks'.
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