Harp

Harp

Harp, (fr. harpe): this charge is best known as the ensign of the kingdom of IRELAND, but is borne also by one or two families. It first appears crowned amongst the royal badges on the accession of the Stuarts. The head and wings of an angel have been added in late examples, but without authority. The Irish name cloyshackes seems to be applied in one MS. to the harp(see under Ireland). We also find the Jew's harp mentioned, but it is doubtful if it is not meant(as the name of the bearer implies) for a scoop.

Azure, a harp or stringed argent--IRELAND.

Gules, three cloyshackes or stringed argent--IRELAND, Harl. MS. 304.

Azure, three harps or--DOBBIN, Ireland.

Argent, three harps sable stringed or--HARPSFIELD.

Azure, two lions rampant combatant supporting a garbe or; in dexter base a crescent argent, in sinister base the harp of Ireland--FOGARTY.

Argent, a Jew's harp[or a scoop] in bend sable between six laurel-leaves of the last--SCOPHAM, co. Lincoln.