The achievement of arms of Sir William D'Ours

Or, a bear rampant sable
armed gules, in chief
gules 3 chalices or

Sir William D'Ours

Sir William D'Ours is a fictional example of the advances in social status available to the commoner through hard work and participating in warfare. Born the son of a successful merchant he ran off to war as a bowman. Despite his strong frame he only displayed average skill with the bow but his strength and tenacity made him a natural in close quarter fighting. He was quickly given a position as sargeant under Sir John Balsay based in Calais.

Regular patrols and keeping the peace in a busy port town gave him ample opportunity to practice his skill at arms, while his business skills developed under his father enabled him to make some canny investments. After several years service he inherited his father's businesses and was able to retire from service in Calais and purchase a small estate near Southampton.

After a life of action William found peaceful life a little dull. He used his business contacts to secure a position as an esquire under Sir John Cornewaille and continued his combat training under one of the foremost warriors in the kingdom. He saw action on the Welsh borders under the young Prince Harry (later crowned Henry V) and it was after the successful seige of Harlech castle that he was awarded his knighthood.

Under the current truce, Sir William is entertaining himself by taking part in as many tournaments as he can find in the hope of meeting other gentlemen at arms willing to meet him on the field of honour.