Coat of Arms

First of all: what is the coat of arms? A "coat of arms" is a family symbol, usually a crest with some kind of weapon and/or animal. Now, what does this piece of information have to do with Will Shakespeare? Back in Shakespeare's time, all high-positioned families had a coat of arms. A coat of arms was a symbol of pride and honour. Shakespeare's father, John Shakespeare, wanted permission to earn a coat of arms for his family, so he made a trip to the College of Arms and attempted to get a coat of arms from the Heralds. The thing is, he didn't have enough money to prove that he was "worthy" for the official symbol of pride. So, William Shakespeare always kept his father's wish in that genius mind of his. After John Shakespeare died, sometime when Will was famous and rich, he went to the College of Arms and was granted a coat of arms. Yay! Hooray! Here's a pic: