Origins of Ansteorra...

[PTM2792 at UTARLG.UTA.EDU]

As I understand it, the origin of the name of our kingdom is to be found in
the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which refers to the "an steorra", the "one star", 
unique and singular in the heavens; Halley's Comet, which also appears in
the Bayeaux Tapestry.  Thus the central star in the kingdom arms, the Award
of the Sable Comet, and our kingdom's motto, "Unicus et Singularis".

I confess I find this a pleasing origin story.  For all I know, it might even 
be true.

- Galen of Bristol, 
who used to be a herald,
and whose personal motto is
"Noblesse Oblige"