J. N. C.
King's Lynn.
Minor Queries Answered.
Arms displayed on Spread Eagle.
—For what reason are the arms of Methwen (and some others, I believe) placed on the breast of a two-headed eagle displayed sable?
H. N. E.
[When armorial ensigns are borne upon the breast of an eagle, the general inference is that the bearers thereof are Counts of the Holy Roman Empire, it being the practice in Germany for Counts of the Empire so to display the eagle.
There are some cases in which especial grants have been made to Englishmen so to do, as in the case of the family of Methwen; and persons having received the royal licence in England to accept the dignity of Count of the Empire, so carry their arms, as in the cases of Earl Cowper, Lord Arundel of Wardour, St. Paul, &c.]
St. Beuno.
—Where can I obtain any information respecting St. Beuno, to whom I find several churches dedicated in Wales?