Stirrup (Period)

Leathered stirrup (Period)

A stirrup is a footrest for horse riders, a flat-bottomed ring of metal hung by a strap from the saddle.  The standard heraldic form is the English stirrup; it is sometimes so blazoned.  It’s a period charge, dating from 1308 in the arms of Kydemore [ANA2 549].

In medieval heraldry, the stirrup was usually drawn “leathered”, i.e., showing a bit of strap, though there are examples of unleathered stirrups as well (e.g., the badge of Gyfford, c.1520 [Walden 201]); in Society heraldry, the leather is not shown unless blazoned.  The Society also has a single example of a “stirrup-cup”, which is identical to an inverted escutcheon in shape; this charge is unattested in period armory.  See also spur.

The Order of the Golden Stirrup, of Æthelmearc, bears:  A stirrup Or leathered gules.

Berengaria de Hainault bears:  Azure, three stirrups Or, leathered argent.

Meadhbh inghean ui Bhaoighill bears:  Per fess azure and Or fretty azure, a stirrup Or.