I want to thank everone who offered help and advice in my search for the Carroll crest. I understand the "official" take on the use of a crest, but I am simply searching for a representative crest of the Carroll's of Ireland, not so much for some exact and provable historical significance, but merely as yet another way to enforce the strong link I feel with my Irish ancestors. Everyone's help and advice was very useful. Slainte, David ----- Original Message ----- From: <CarrollMS@aol.com> To: <CARROLL-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2001 6:20 AM Subject: [CARROLL] Crests - Authority, Use, and Creation > In my experience and discussions with those knowledgeable of family crests > there are three things that might be relevant to one choosing to use a crest. > > 1. There is a custom in Ireland that says that anyone may use the accepted > crest of their last name. Current Irish rule is that you can use the crest: > "Edward MacLysaght, former Chief Herald of Ireland, in his book. Irish > Families (1957) stated the position is, Arms shown in Part III, of the book, > may be displayed without impropriety, of the Sept if that person really does > belong to the Sept. The Clan Cian chief advises that any person desiring to > bear Arms apply for a Letter of Confirmation from the Irish heraldry. See > http://www.clancian-carroll.com/ > > 2. In America we have no noble class. Heraldry in America is a choice of > each individual. One can create their own if they so desire. > > > > >