See http://globalgenealogy.com/globalgazette/gazrr/gazrr189.htm Linda & Tony Knight -----Original Message----- From: isle-of-wight-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:isle-of-wight-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Roy Stockdill Sent: 22 February 2010 12:57 To: isle-of-wight@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [IoW] Surname history in shopoing centres On 22 Feb 2010 at 11:21, SBS Engineers Genealogy wrote: > Good morning list > > For new researchers finding their way:- I have to agree with Roy's > warning to be careful about those <<snip>>"shop genealogy" outfits who For the benefit of newcomers here who may be tempted to fall for the whiles of these people and think they are buying their "family coat of arms", perhaps I could spell out the pitfalls? There is NO such thing as a family coat of arms, nor is there a coat of arms for a particular surname. With a few exceptions, a coat of arms is issued only to an individual and his heirs in the direct male line and they have to make what are called "differences". Sometimes females can also use it. -- Roy Stockdill Genealogical researcher, writer & lecturer Newbies' Guide to Genealogy & Family History: www.genuki.org.uk/gs/Newbie.html