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

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.

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 todays self-driving and electronic vehicles. I now deliver talks and presentations covering many aspects of those technologies and future innovations in the automotive field. Please contact me if you require more details for a commercial booking.

However, now that I have 'slowed down' and have more time for research and writing, I have spent time developing a number of talks concerning my interests and passions.

Living in Bournville, the home of Cadbury, I have spent many years researching many aspects of local history concerning the factory, the Village and the people that made it. I have published several books on various related subjects. I am also a local tour guide at the World famous Bournville Carillon.

Finally I also give a number of talks concerning my other two loves: English Heraldic Lore and Vexillology (the study of flags and pennants).

In many of my talks I speak from the point of view of an enthusiast, not an academic, and so my talks are designed to appeal to people from every walk of life. Occasionally there's a little technical jargon, but I always try to simplify it into everyday language and I am always happy to take questions a 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 talk or would like to discuss other aspects or options, then please contact me.

I normally deliver in-person talks in and around the West Midlands area but will travel further by special arrangement. Alternatively on-line is always an option wherever you are in the world. All the 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 preferred platform


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