Kur coat of arms
Encyclopedia
Kur is a Polish coat of arms
. It was used by several noble
families forming a Clan of Kur in the times of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
. It is noted during the reign of the Jagiellon dynasty
and illustrated with its original name in the work of Bartosz Paprocki
"Herby Rycerstwa Polskiego" in 1584. Furtheremore, it is published in the work of Szymon Okolski in year 1641. and several other publications
The Kur coat of arms have also been used before Jagiellon dynasty time in Poland
under alternative name Kokoty, which can be seen in the court documents holding stamps of the CoA, signed by the judge Szyban von Der (from Der of Misni) between 1287 and1311 in the court of Henry III
, prince of Głogów. The person of Szyban von Der have been incorrectly identified by Franciszek Piekosinski as Szyban Tadera of the Gryf coat of arms, the castellan
of Swiny.
The most notable member of the Clan of Kur was Mikołaj Kiczka
, the Archdeacon
of Gniezno
and one of the most trusted procurator
s to the King Vladislav Jogaila
. On behalf of the king, he negotiated with the Teutonic Knights
to establish borders delineation with Poland in Rome
1421–1422 in presence of the Pope Martin V
.
Families of the Clan of Kur were in the medieval times of same origin. The clan and its land is closely connected to the Mazovia
region of Poland. Although nobility Mazovia received equal rights as in the rest of Poland, it retained independent status until year 1529 when Sigismund I the Old
incorporated Mazovia into the Polish state. Outside the Mazovia region, the clan members are also be found in other regions of the Commonwealth, including Silesia
, Podlaskie Voivodeship
and Lublin
.
The Kur coat of arms and its battle cry
is noted in Polish heraldry in 1496. Earlier notes confirming graphic form of the CoA but without battle cry are from year 1300.
The notes of 1496 tells about the King John I Albert that created this coat of arms for the Kur family. The date is close to the Piotrków privilege
from 1493 and the confirmation of the ruling house by Konrad III Rudy
, duke of Masovia
. The Piotrków privilege made the Masovian nobility equal to Polish in rights which explain that the documents regarding the Clan of Kur is not act of nobility but act of equal rights. Before adding Kur coat of arms to polish heraldry 1496, the name was known as Kokoty and is noted in court documents referring to Mikołaj Kiczka
in year 1426. Late appearance of the Kur coat of arms in Polish heraldry is explained by the tradition in Masovia that formed coat of arms in European style later than in other parts of Poland. In Europe, the symbol of the Kur coat of arms is well known from ancient years, it origin from Italy where it can be found under the name Gallo and later made its way through France, Spain, Netherlands, Scotland and Poland.
in his work of Orbis Polonus Splendoribus Coeli... in 1641-1643. This is also recalled in the book of Kasper Niesiecki
.
Polish heraldry
Polish heraldry is a branch of heraldry focused on studying the development of coats of arms in the lands of historical Poland , as well as specifically-Polish traits of heraldry. The term is also used to refer to Polish heraldic system, as opposed to systems used elsewhere, notably in Western Europe...
. It was used by several noble
Szlachta
The szlachta was a legally privileged noble class with origins in the Kingdom of Poland. It gained considerable institutional privileges during the 1333-1370 reign of Casimir the Great. In 1413, following a series of tentative personal unions between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of...
families forming a Clan of Kur in the times of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was a dualistic state of Poland and Lithuania ruled by a common monarch. It was the largest and one of the most populous countries of 16th- and 17th‑century Europe with some and a multi-ethnic population of 11 million at its peak in the early 17th century...
. It is noted during the reign of the Jagiellon dynasty
Jagiellon dynasty
The Jagiellonian dynasty was a royal dynasty originating from the Lithuanian House of Gediminas dynasty that reigned in Central European countries between the 14th and 16th century...
and illustrated with its original name in the work of Bartosz Paprocki
Bartosz Paprocki
Bartholomew Paprocki was a Polish and Czech writer, historiographer, translator, poet, herald and pioneer in the Polish and Czech genealogy.-Biography:...
"Herby Rycerstwa Polskiego" in 1584. Furtheremore, it is published in the work of Szymon Okolski in year 1641. and several other publications
The Kur coat of arms have also been used before Jagiellon dynasty time in Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
under alternative name Kokoty, which can be seen in the court documents holding stamps of the CoA, signed by the judge Szyban von Der (from Der of Misni) between 1287 and1311 in the court of Henry III
Henry III, Duke of Silesia-Glogau
Henry III of Głogów was a Duke of Głogów from 1274 to his death and also Duke of parts of Greater Poland during 1306–1309....
, prince of Głogów. The person of Szyban von Der have been incorrectly identified by Franciszek Piekosinski as Szyban Tadera of the Gryf coat of arms, the castellan
Castellan
A castellan was the governor or captain of a castle. The word stems from the Latin Castellanus, derived from castellum "castle". Also known as a constable.-Duties:...
of Swiny.
The most notable member of the Clan of Kur was Mikołaj Kiczka
Mikołaj Kiczka
Mikołaj Kiczka was a Polish noble, diplomat and priest.In 1421–1422 together with Władysław Oporowski and Mikołaj Trąba he represented Poland and the Polish king Władysław Jagiełło in the process between Poland and the Teutonic Order before the Holy See in Rome. In 1427 he took part in the border...
, the Archdeacon
Archdeacon
An archdeacon is a senior clergy position in Anglicanism, Syrian Malabar Nasrani, Chaldean Catholic, and some other Christian denominations, above that of most clergy and below a bishop. In the High Middle Ages it was the most senior diocesan position below a bishop in the Roman Catholic Church...
of Gniezno
Gniezno
Gniezno is a city in central-western Poland, some 50 km east of Poznań, inhabited by about 70,000 people. One of the Piasts' chief cities, it was mentioned by 10th century A.D. sources as the capital of Piast Poland however the first capital of Piast realm was most likely Giecz built around...
and one of the most trusted procurator
Procurator
Procurator may refer to:*Procurator , the title of various officials of the Roman Empire...
s to the King Vladislav Jogaila
Jogaila
Jogaila, later 'He is known under a number of names: ; ; . See also: Jogaila : names and titles. was Grand Duke of Lithuania , king consort of Kingdom of Poland , and sole King of Poland . He ruled in Lithuania from 1377, at first with his uncle Kęstutis...
. On behalf of the king, he negotiated with the Teutonic Knights
Teutonic Knights
The Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem , commonly the Teutonic Order , is a German medieval military order, in modern times a purely religious Catholic order...
to establish borders delineation with Poland in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
1421–1422 in presence of the Pope Martin V
Pope Martin V
Pope Martin V , born Odo Colonna, was Pope from 1417 to 1431. His election effectively ended the Western Schism .-Biography:...
.
Families of the Clan of Kur were in the medieval times of same origin. The clan and its land is closely connected to the Mazovia
Mazovia
Mazovia or Masovia is a geographical, historical and cultural region in east-central Poland. It is also a voivodeship in Poland.Its historic capital is Płock, which was the medieval residence of first Dukes of Masovia...
region of Poland. Although nobility Mazovia received equal rights as in the rest of Poland, it retained independent status until year 1529 when Sigismund I the Old
Sigismund I the Old
Sigismund I of Poland , of the Jagiellon dynasty, reigned as King of Poland and also as the Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1506 until 1548...
incorporated Mazovia into the Polish state. Outside the Mazovia region, the clan members are also be found in other regions of the Commonwealth, including Silesia
Silesia
Silesia is a historical region of Central Europe located mostly in Poland, with smaller parts also in the Czech Republic, and Germany.Silesia is rich in mineral and natural resources, and includes several important industrial areas. Silesia's largest city and historical capital is Wrocław...
, Podlaskie Voivodeship
Podlaskie Voivodeship (1513–1795)
The Podlaskie Voivodeship was formed in 1513 by Sigismund I the Old as a voivodeship in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, from a split off part of the Trakai Voivodeship....
and Lublin
Lublin
Lublin is the ninth largest city in Poland. It is the capital of Lublin Voivodeship with a population of 350,392 . Lublin is also the largest Polish city east of the Vistula river...
.
History
Battle cry
A battle cry is a yell or chant taken up in battle, usually by members of the same military unit.Battle cries are not necessarily articulate, although they often aim to invoke patriotic or religious sentiment....
is noted in Polish heraldry in 1496. Earlier notes confirming graphic form of the CoA but without battle cry are from year 1300.
The notes of 1496 tells about the King John I Albert that created this coat of arms for the Kur family. The date is close to the Piotrków privilege
Piotrków Trybunalski
Piotrków Trybunalski is a city in central Poland with 80,738 inhabitants . It is situated in the Łódź Voivodeship , and previously was the capital of Piotrków Voivodeship...
from 1493 and the confirmation of the ruling house by Konrad III Rudy
Konrad III Rudy
Konrad III Rudy was a Polish duke of Masovia.He reunited most of Masovia still not controlled by Kingdom of Poland, including Płock, Płońsk, Czersk, Wyszogród and Warsaw....
, duke of Masovia
Dukes of Masovia
The Dukes of Masovia were a line of the Piast dynasty who ruled in Masovia. The following is a list of all rulers of the Duchy of Masovia and its parts...
. The Piotrków privilege made the Masovian nobility equal to Polish in rights which explain that the documents regarding the Clan of Kur is not act of nobility but act of equal rights. Before adding Kur coat of arms to polish heraldry 1496, the name was known as Kokoty and is noted in court documents referring to Mikołaj Kiczka
Mikołaj Kiczka
Mikołaj Kiczka was a Polish noble, diplomat and priest.In 1421–1422 together with Władysław Oporowski and Mikołaj Trąba he represented Poland and the Polish king Władysław Jagiełło in the process between Poland and the Teutonic Order before the Holy See in Rome. In 1427 he took part in the border...
in year 1426. Late appearance of the Kur coat of arms in Polish heraldry is explained by the tradition in Masovia that formed coat of arms in European style later than in other parts of Poland. In Europe, the symbol of the Kur coat of arms is well known from ancient years, it origin from Italy where it can be found under the name Gallo and later made its way through France, Spain, Netherlands, Scotland and Poland.
Legend of the CoA
The legend tells that the Kur coat of arms have been given to the knight for service and for saving King's camp during military campaign. The night have been alert during the night and spotted sudden enemy attack and by that saving the king's life. The legend has been written down by Szymon OkolskiSzymon Okolski
Szymon Okolski , also known as Simon Okolski, was a well-known Polish-Lithuanian historian, theologian, and specialist in heraldry. His own clan and coat of arms were that of Rawicz. Born in Kamieniec Podolski, died in Lviv. He headed chairs of theology in Lviv and Bologna...
in his work of Orbis Polonus Splendoribus Coeli... in 1641-1643. This is also recalled in the book of Kasper Niesiecki
Kasper Niesiecki
Kasper Niesiecki was a Polish heraldist, Jesuit, lexicographer, writer, theologian and preacher.-Biography:Niesiecki was born in Greater Poland to a burgher family. In 1699 he began training as a Jesuit in Kraków. From 1701 to 1704 he studied philosophy in Lublin, earning a master's degree...
.
Notable bearers
Notable bearers of this Coat of Arms include:- Klemens Kurowski Castellan of ŻarnówKlemens KurowskiKlemens Kurowski from Drożojewice and Kurów - polish nobleman and senator.Born around 1340 r. died before 1405 r. Came from Kurów near Szczyrzyc and Wiśnicz. Became castellan of Żarnów. Between - became senator....
- Mikołaj KiczkaMikołaj KiczkaMikołaj Kiczka was a Polish noble, diplomat and priest.In 1421–1422 together with Władysław Oporowski and Mikołaj Trąba he represented Poland and the Polish king Władysław Jagiełło in the process between Poland and the Teutonic Order before the Holy See in Rome. In 1427 he took part in the border...
ArchdeaconArchdeaconAn archdeacon is a senior clergy position in Anglicanism, Syrian Malabar Nasrani, Chaldean Catholic, and some other Christian denominations, above that of most clergy and below a bishop. In the High Middle Ages it was the most senior diocesan position below a bishop in the Roman Catholic Church...
of GnieznoGnieznoGniezno is a city in central-western Poland, some 50 km east of Poznań, inhabited by about 70,000 people. One of the Piasts' chief cities, it was mentioned by 10th century A.D. sources as the capital of Piast Poland however the first capital of Piast realm was most likely Giecz built around... - Czesław Kurowski ChorążyChorążyChorąży or Khorunzhyi is a military rank in Poland, Ukraine and some neighboring countries. A chorąży was once a knight who bore a standard — the emblem of an armed troop, a province , a land , a duchy, or the kingdom...
, FeldsherFeldsherFeldsher is the name of a health care professional who provides various medical services in Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union, mainly in rural areas...
:pl:Czesław Kurowski
See also
- Polish heraldryPolish heraldryPolish heraldry is a branch of heraldry focused on studying the development of coats of arms in the lands of historical Poland , as well as specifically-Polish traits of heraldry. The term is also used to refer to Polish heraldic system, as opposed to systems used elsewhere, notably in Western Europe...
- HeraldryHeraldryHeraldry is the profession, study, or art of creating, granting, and blazoning arms and ruling on questions of rank or protocol, as exercised by an officer of arms. Heraldry comes from Anglo-Norman herald, from the Germanic compound harja-waldaz, "army commander"...
- Coat of ArmsCoat of armsA coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
- List of Polish nobility coats of arms
External links
- Tadeusz GajlTadeusz GajlTadeusz Gajl is a Polish artist, notable for his study on Polish heraldry. After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź in 1966, he worked as a design specialist in a fabric factory in Białystok. Between 1975 and the Martial Law of 1981 he was working as artistic director of the...
http://gajl.wielcy.pl/herby_nazwiska.php?lang=pl&herb=kur - Dynastic Genealogy
- Ornatowski.com
- Bartosz Paprocki, Digital Library of Wielkopolska, p.774
- Jan Aleksander Gorczyn, Digital Library of Wielkopolska, p.41
- Piotr Nałęcz-Małachowski, University of Warsaw Digital Library, p.667
- Franciszek Piekosiński, University of Warsaw Digital Library, p.310
- Krzysztof Żaboklicki, Polish in Padova
- Krzysztof Ożóg referring to Mikołaj Kiczka
- Lech Męczarski, Nowa Gazeta Gostynska, Rocznik statystyczny 1513
- Heraldica, drawing of the CoA
- AGAD, confirmation of prince Boleslav
- Bestiarius - Heraldica
- Kaspar Niesiecki, the legend of the Kur coat of arms v.5, p.451