Heraldry - Crosses
The Christian cross emblem was very common in medieval heraldry and was used extensively by the Christian soldiers during Crusades. It became so widespread that variations were required to differentiate one design from another. The main shield shown here has the cross as an ordinary and it extends to the edges of the shield. The variations are charges and as such are held within the shield, not touching the edges.
Below are shown several of many cross designs used in heraldry.
Cross subtypes
Cross Hummetty
This is the same as the Ordinary cross but couped. Meaning it becomes a Charge.
Cross Pattée
Flat end and arms curving inwards.
Cross Potent
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Cross Jerusalem
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Cross Maltese
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Cross Pommy
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Cross Patriarchal
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Cross Voided
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Cross Clechy
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Cross Cercelee
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Cross Latin
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Cross Bottony
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Cross Carolingian
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Cross Patonce
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Examples
Ermine on a chief gules three cross pattee or
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