Mantle (Period)

A mantle is an article of clothing, a long outer garment draped over the shoulders, covering one’s clothes.  Originally meant to provide warmth and protection, the mantle became an item of regalia for chivalric orders, such as the Order of the Garter.  It’s found as a charge in its own right, however, as in the arms of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, 1481 [Bromley & Child 174].  The mantle is affronty, slightly open, by default; it is frequently edged or lined of another tincture, and often shown with long cords in front for balance.

Hooded cloak (Accepted)

Similar to the mantle is the “hooded cloak”, likewise an article of outer garb draping the shoulders, with a hood covering the head.  Unlike the mantle, the hooded cloak is utilitarian in design and use.  It’s a period garment, with examples dating from at least 1312 [Neubecker 180]; but its use as an heraldic charge seems to be unique to the Society.  The hooded cloak is shown affronty, or turned slightly to dexter, by Society default, with the front of the cloak slightly open.

For related charges, see hood.

The Order of the Golden Mantle, of the East, bears:  A mantle Or.

Angharad Clog Llwyd ferch Madog ap Maradudd bears:  Vert, a hooded cloak argent lined sable, on a chief embattled argent three increscents sable.

Þorbjorn rauðfeldr bears:  Argent, a hooded cloak gules.