Heraldic knot

File:BourchierKnot Compilation TawstockChurch Devon.png

Bourchier knot compilation, Tawstock Church, Devon

A heraldic knot (referred to in heraldry as simply a knot) is a knot, unknot, or design incorporating a knot used in European heraldry. While a given knot can be used on more than one family's achievement of arms, the family on whose coat the knot originated usually gives its name to the said knot (the exception being the Tristram knot). These knots can be used to charge shields and crests, but can also be used in badges or as standalone symbols of the families for whom they are named (like Scottish plaids). The simplest of these patterns, the Bowen knot, is often referred to as the heraldic knot in symbolism and art outside of heraldry.

Heraldic knots

Example	Knot name	Description
File:Bourchier knot.svg	Bourchier knot
File:Bowen knot.svg	Bowen knot
File:Heneage knot.svg	Heneage knot
File:Lacy or De Lacy knot.svg	Lacy knot
File:Savoy knot.svg	Savoy knot
File:Wake knot.svg	Wake knot
File:Harrington knot.svg	Harrington knot	Drawing of a heraldic knot consisting only of right angles, such that it looks like a square turned 45° on its side (so the corners point to the cardinal directions) with a cross (turned to resemble the letter 'X') going through the square which bisects each of the square's four sides.