DEVONIENSIS is quite right in supposing that the bearing of three
fleurs-de-lys alone, horizontal, in the upper part of the shield,--in other
words, {226} in chief, fess-ways,--is a very rare occurrence. I know of no
instance of it in English blazon. Coupled with another and principal
charge, as a fess, a chevron, a lion, &c.; or in a chief, it is common
enough. Nor have I ever met with an example of it in French coat-armour. An
English family, named Rothfeld, but apparently of German extraction, gives:
Gules, two fleurs-de-lys, in chief, ermine. Du Guesclin bore nothing like a
fleur-de-lys in any way. The armorial bearings of the famous Constable
were: Argent, a double-headed eagle, displayed, sable, crowned, or,
debruised of a bend, gules.