The crest on Plate 8, Image 6 (Pl. 8. cr. 6.) is described as a horse’s (or nag’s) head, usually couped (cut smoothly at the neck), and bridled (sometimes described as furnished or maned).
Surnames:
- Alexander (England)
- Belshes (Invermay)
- Bennie (Scotland)
- Benzie (Scotland)
- Binnie (Scotland)
- Binny (Scotland)
- Blacker (Buckingham)
- Blaker (Portslade, Sussex)
- Bruce (Earlshall)
- Bruce (Pittarthie)
- Collyngs (Bury, Suffolk)
- Cowcy, De (England)
- Dancey (England)
- Daninsey (England)
- Darley (Cranfield)
- Dauvergene (England)
- De Cowcy (England)
- Dunbar (Baldoon, Bart.)
- Elmeet (Holland)
- Gisborne (Ireland)
- Hamilton (Lord Belhaven)
- Jekyll (Essex)
- Jekyll (London)
- Lewes (England)
- M’Cracken (Scotland)
- Macquarie (Ormaig)
- Millner (Nun-Appleton, Yorkshire)
- Milner (Nun-Appleton Hall, Yorkshire, Bart.)
- Neat (England)
- Rutherford (Faldon-Side, Scotland)
- Sarebruche (England)
- Smyth (Askham, Nottinghamshire, England)
- Smyth (Crednall, Herefordshire, England)
- Smyth (Hertfordshire, England)
- Smyth (Overton, Shropshire, England)
- Timson (England)
- Twentyman (England)
- Whanfield (England)
Symbolism of the Crest
Horse (or Nag): The horse is one of the most ancient and potent symbols in heraldry, representing readiness for king and country, speed, intellect, and virility. It signifies a spirited warrior or a lineage known for its agility and service. Bridled / Furnished: When the horse is depicted as bridled, it symbolizes disciplined power, constraint, and temperance. It suggests that the bearer possesses great strength and spirit but keeps it under rational control and direction, ready to serve when called upon. Couped: This indicates the head is cut cleanly at the neck, a standard heraldic representation focusing on the head as the seat of intellect and direction.
General Symbolic Meanings
The combination of the horse and the bridle suggests a lineage that values readiness, discipline, and service. It implies a capacity for swift action tempered by wisdom and control. In a military context, it represents a soldier ready to obey commands and execute them with speed and vigor. Variations such as broken reins (as seen in the M’Cracken crest) may suggest a breaking free from restraint or an untamable spirit, while specific colors like Argent (silver/white) represent peace and sincerity, and Sable (black) represents constancy.