Page 396 - J. C. Turner - History and Science of Knots

390 History and Science of Knots

By far the commonest knot used (57) is the Figure Eight; a simple Over-
hand (60) is rare. Sometimes the turn of the Figure Eight is drawn out and
twisted, with the finished knot either horizontal (58) or vertical (59). If the
end of (59) is tucked back into the loop a Twisted Braid ([1], #569) is formed
(63). Sometimes the knot has the form of a Figure Eight, but the crossings
differ (61), giving a non-knot. Two Overhands in line (as in [1], #564) may
be opened out to make one enclose the other (62).

Fig. 5. Knots for Ecclesiastical Tassels
More complex knots used include the Double Figure Eight, seen in (64),
as in (30); the Oystermans Stopper ([1], #526) in (65); and two knots not
found in Ashley [1], (66, 67); the asymmetrical (66) is used by several modern
artists.
Clergy in the Church of England may also adopt arms with ecclesiastical
hats and tassels if they so desire [7], but this does not seem to happen often.

Knots as Badges
A badge is a device which, though not part of the coat of arms, could in some
cases be used in a similar way; indeed, some badges preceded the adoption of
systematic heraldry, and may have been the origin of some heraldic charges.
Badges were common in southern Europe [25], but were usually restricted
to the personal use of the higher ranks of the nobility, and members of some
orders of chivalry. The only knot I have found amongst the Continental badges
is the Savoy Knot (Fig. 7, 76), a Figure Eight Knot, often shown vertical (76),
but sometimes shown horizontal (75). It has been in use since at least the
time of Thomas, Count of Savoy, in the early 13th century [21], and was used
by Umberto II (1904-1983), Prince of Savoy and the last King of Italy.
It was in England, however, that the badge, in particular the knot badge,
came into common use. They were used personally, on jewellery, fabrics, fur-
niture, carved on buildings and displayed in stained-glass windows. Knights
who wished to remain incognito in tournaments often identified themselves