The Compartment in Heraldry

When looking at a large and complete heraldic achievement, the eye is often first drawn to the shield. Then to the helmet, the mantling, and perhaps the figures or animals standing beside it as supporters.

But on closer inspection, one often notices another element at the very base of the composition.

A ground.
A rock.
A grassy surface.
A decorative foundation.

This is the compartment.

The compartment is the base upon which the supporters stand, forming the lowest part of the entire heraldic achievement. It may be subtle and almost unnoticed — or it may become a place where part of the family's story is quietly expressed.

As with the rest of heraldry, the aim is not to make the arms larger or more complex. It is about balance.

A well-designed compartment feels like the ground beneath the feet of the figures. It provides stability, weight, and a natural conclusion to the composition.

Where does the compartment come from?

In the earliest coats of arms, compartments did not exist at all.

Medieval arms consisted essentially only of the shield, and sometimes a helmet with a crest. Heraldry at that time was closely tied to warfare and tournaments, and the arms needed to be seen quickly and clearly.

Over time, heraldry changed in character.

From the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries onward, coats of arms became increasingly ceremonial and decorative. They appeared in seals, on buildings, in manuscripts, and on official documents.

It was also during this period that supporters became more common — and when two figures stand beside a shield, there is naturally a need for something for them to stand upon.

Thus, a base was introduced beneath the figures.

This base developed into what we now call the compartment.

The role of the compartment in a coat of arms

The compartment is not an essential element in heraldry.

Many coats of arms have no supporters — and therefore no compartment.

But in arms where supporters are present, the compartment plays an important role.

It creates cohesion and visual calm.

Without a base, the figures may appear to float in the air. With a compartment, they stand firmly and naturally.

One might think of the compartment as the stage beneath a performance. The story of the figures unfolds upon it.

The symbolism of the compartment

Although often subtle, the compartment can carry meaning.

It may represent the ground or world upon which the family stands.

Some common forms include:

Rock
A rocky compartment may symbolise strength, stability, and resilience — a family that stands firm even when circumstances change.

Earth or grass
A grassy or earthen base is among the most common. It gives the arms a natural and grounded appearance and may symbolise homeland, roots, and belonging.

Waves or water
If a family has a strong connection to the sea or coast, the compartment may be formed as waves or water. This is often seen in maritime arms.

Masonry or stonework
A wall or stone base may symbolise protection, community, and tradition.

When the compartment tells a story

In some achievements, the compartment becomes more than just a base.

It may develop into a small landscape.

One can imagine arms where the supporters stand on a rocky outcrop with the sea below — or on ground with plants or trees that connect the arms to a particular place.

But here, too, one of heraldry's most important principles applies:

Simplicity creates strength.

If the compartment becomes too detailed, it may begin to compete with the shield — and the shield is always the centre of the arms.

For this reason, the best compartments are often stylised and restrained.

Should a family coat of arms have a compartment?

No.

Many personal coats of arms have no supporters and therefore no compartment.

Supporters and compartments are traditionally more common in:

• noble arms
• royal arms
• civic or state arms

In modern family arms, they are used more sparingly.

When they are used, they should feel like a natural part of the whole — not an addition merely to make the arms more elaborate.

Inspiration for choosing a compartment

If one chooses to include a compartment, it can be an opportunity to add a subtle reference to the family's history.

For example:

• a rock for strength
• grass for homeland
• waves for the sea
• a simple ground line for stability

Sometimes the best solution is a very simple base — almost unnoticed, yet still holding the entire composition together.

Less is more — also in compartments

Heraldry is an art form that for more than 800 years has maintained its strength through simplicity.

This also applies to the compartment.

If the shield, symbols, helmet, and motto already tell the family's story, the compartment does not need to say more.

It may simply be the quiet foundation beneath it all.

The ground upon which the arms stand.

FAQ – The compartment in heraldry

What is a compartment in a coat of arms?

A compartment is the base or ground upon which the supporters stand in a heraldic achievement. It may take the form of rock, earth, waves, or a stylised platform. It provides visual stability and forms the foundation of the composition.

Do all coats of arms have a compartment?

No. Many coats of arms consist only of the shield, helmet, and crest. Compartments primarily appear in larger achievements where supporters are present. In personal family arms, they are therefore less common.

What can a compartment symbolise?

A compartment may symbolise the ground or foundation upon which a family stands. It might represent strength (rock), roots and belonging (grass), or a connection to the sea (waves). The symbolism is often subtle and supports the rest of the arms.

Is the compartment an important part of heraldry?

It is not essential, but it can help create balance in arms that include supporters. It gives the figures a natural base and visually completes the composition.

Can you choose your own compartment design?

Yes. In modern heraldry, there is considerable freedom to choose a base that reflects the family's identity or history. The key is that the compartment should not dominate, but support the overall design.

What is the difference between a compartment and a motto scroll?

A compartment is the base upon which the supporters stand. A motto scroll, by contrast, is a decorative scroll bearing the family's motto, usually placed beneath the shield. In some arms, the scroll may rest upon or in front of the compartment.

Must a compartment be realistic?

Not necessarily.

In heraldry, forms are often stylised. Many compartments are therefore simple and decorative representations of ground, rock, or waves that match the graphic style of the arms.