The Development of Arms - A who's who in pictures

Ray Barrett


Regions:
West Mids, Warwickshire
Notice Period:
Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
Type:
Professional, Organisational, Charity, and hobbyist
Fee:
Paid: £65
Category:
History
Updated:
8th April 2024

Ever since men have been on earth we've been fighting one another, usually for food or money or girls!

In the early day, we knew every one in our tribe, so it was easy to know who's was who. As groups got bigger, we needed a way to differentiate: Who’s fighting for whom? And from there we started the development of Arms... or the recognisable symbols that that allowed these large, often disparate, groups to know whose side they're on.

In time these symbols were codified into formal displays we now call Coats of Arms.

In this easy talk we take a leap back in time to the beginnings of this noble art form and in light and simple steps run the gauntlet of nobility and entitlement to discover where it all began and what it means today.

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About Ray Barrett

For many years I worked at the forefront of automotive technology helping to develop the newly emerging electronic systems that would eventually include the adaptive and augmented driving systems that were to become the building blocks and forerunners of today's self-driving and electronic vehicles. I now deliver talks and presentations covering many aspects of those technologies and future innovations in the automotive field. I also give more simplified talks for interest groups who want to know more about these technologies. Please contact me directly if you require more information details for a commercial or technical booking.

I also present a wide range of assorted talks on many different topics that are of interest to me and many groups across the country.

I was born, and raised in Bournville in the West Midlands but have been lucky enough to travel extensively across the world during my working life. I am now semi-retired and have been public speaking for about the last 5 years. However, now that I have 'slowed down' and have more time for research and writing, I have spent time developing a number of other talks and presentations concerning some of my personal interests and passions. Living in Bournville - the home of Cadbury - I have spent many years researching aspects of local history concerning the factory, the village and the people that made it what it is today. I am also a tour guide at the World famous Bournville Carillon and have published several books on various related subjects.

Additionally I also give a number of talks concerning my other two loves: English Heraldic Lore and Vexillology (the study of flags and pennants), English history, and the East India Company.

In many of my talks I speak from the point of view of an enthusiast, rather than an academic, so the talks are easy to digest and should appeal to people from every walks of life. Occasionally there's a little technical jargon but I always try to simplify it into everyday terms, and I am always happy to take questions at the end.

Most of my talks last approximately one hour and are general in nature. However, if you are particularly interested in a more in-depth understanding or would like to discuss other aspects or options of a particular subject, then please contact me.

I can normally deliver in-person talks around the country but will charge expenses where incurred. I can also travel to further destinations by special arrangement.

All of my talks are illustrated with PowerPoint slides. I have my own equipment, but will happily use yours if it’s already in place. If a face-to-face meeting is not possible or impractical, I can deliver all talks online, using Zoom, Teams or any other proprietary platform,


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