Hi Michelle: I think you will find that there are *very strict* restrictions re who is entitled to use a *Coat* of Arms (this is an erroneous term - the correct terminology is "Achievement of Arms") &/or Crest. The Heralds (inspectors) have complete jurisdiction over who can & cannot display arms. They are located @: College of Arms in London, England. Among the *basic* rules that apply, when granting the right to display arms, by individuals are: #1 Must be *unquestionably proven*, the *direct* descendancy of an arms bearing ancestor in an "unbroken line of FIRST sons". That man alone can be assigned & legitimately display. #2 Other sons - after proof (as above) of Paternal decent, might be given a different, (altered) arms. Not identical to Father & 1st son. The right to display arms is not granted to a Family - only to an individual. Bev > > Can someone advise me whether the the Kelly crest can be used by any > Kelly family; or are there restrictions? Is it owned by a particular > clan? > > TIA > -- > Michelle in Melbourne. >