After the Norman Conquest of England the Kingdom of Northumberland was laid waste until it was divided up among the followers of William of Normandy. In 1099, William Rufus (William 11) appointed Rannulph Flambard to be Bishop of Durham and he thus took direct control of the whole of the North of England and the Borders. Flambard was removed by Henry the First but was re-instated after swearing allegiance to the new King. Soon after 1102 Flambard granted to one of his nephews , named Richard, large amounts of the East of the Bishopric from North of the Wear practically to the Tees. By a later charter Robert, the Son of Richard, released to his Brother’s Son, Galfrid, ”all his claims to the villages of Lamesley, Hetton, Blakiston, Horden, Silksworth and Hamildon “ In return for all claims to Ravensworth.
Thus the Lords of the Manor of Horden are traced back to the Nephew of Rannulph Flambard , Bishop of Durham and the pedigree of the College of Arms commences with “Galfrid de Hordene”. The badge of Horden Rugby Club is an exact copy of the Seal of Galfrid, the first Lord of Horden. It is a half shield with two Martlets ,” mythical birds”, in the top half and one Martlet in the lower half. In Heraldry the Martlet was a symbol used on shields and coats of arms to denote the Fourth Son in a family). Being a mythical bird it is always depicted as having no feet. The “badge” can be found on the fire place in the present Horden Hall. When the badge was adopted by the Rugby Club a letter was sent to the College of Heralds to register the design.
Prepared by Peter Dunn.