College of Arms

College of Arms
Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	College of Arms
Caption	The College of Arms building on Queen Victoria Street, London
Formation	1484
Headquarters	London, England
Jurisdiction	England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Commonwealth realms
Key people	The Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal

College of Arms. The College of Arms, also known as the Heralds' College, is the official heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and some Commonwealth realms. Founded by royal charter in 1484 under King Richard III, it is responsible for granting and regulating coats of arms, genealogical research, and maintaining official registers. Operating under the authority of the Earl Marshal, a hereditary office held by the Duke of Norfolk, its work encompasses state ceremonial duties and the recording of pedigrees.

History

The origins of organized heraldry in England can be traced to the reign of King Henry V and the increasing regulation of arms used in battle, such as at the Battle of Agincourt. The present corporation was incorporated by King Richard III in 1484, though its predecessor bodies date earlier. Its early home was on Coldharbour Lane before moving to Derby House near St Paul's Cathedral. Following the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed its records, it was granted a new site on Queen Victoria Street where it remains. The college's history is intertwined with the Wars of the Roses, the English Reformation, and the Restoration, during which its authority was reaffirmed.

Role and functions

Its primary role is the granting and confirmation of coats of arms and the establishment of legal right to existing armorial bearings. Officers conduct thorough genealogical research to prove descent for clients seeking to establish a pedigree. The institution plays a central part in the organization of major state ceremonies, including the State Opening of Parliament, the Coronation of the British monarch, and the annual Garter Service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. It also advises on matters of protocol, precedence, and the use of flags and emblems.

Structure and officers

The corporation is composed of thirteen officers: three Kings of Arms, six Heralds, and four Pursuivants, all appointed by the Crown and under the direction of the Earl Marshal. The senior King of Arms is Garter Principal King of Arms. The other two are Clarenceux King of Arms and Norroy and Ulster King of Arms. Among the Heralds are figures such as York Herald, Lancaster Herald, and Windsor Herald. The Pursuivants include Portcullis Pursuivant and Rouge Dragon Pursuivant. A chapter of the officers governs its internal affairs, supported by a staff of clerks and researchers.

Heraldic authority and jurisdiction

It holds heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and, in certain contexts, other Commonwealth realms such as Australia and New Zealand where no local authority exists. Its legal basis derives from the Law of Arms, a branch of English law. In Scotland, heraldic matters are the exclusive domain of the Court of the Lord Lyon. The Republic of Ireland is served by the Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland. Its jurisdiction does not extend to Canada, which has its own Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Notable grants and records

It has granted arms to numerous notable individuals and institutions over centuries. Historic grants include those to Sir Francis Drake, Sir Isaac Newton, and the East India Company. In the modern era, recipients have included Sir Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, the BBC, and the London Underground. Its extensive records, such as the Visitation books compiled by heralds touring the counties, and the Grantees of Arms series, are invaluable resources for historians and genealogists, documenting the armorial history of the nation.

Relationship with other heraldic bodies

It maintains formal and informal relationships with heraldic authorities worldwide. Within the United Kingdom, it coordinates with the Court of the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh and the Royal Household. Internationally, it interacts with bodies like the International Heraldic Academy and various national authorities, including the previously mentioned Canadian Heraldic Authority and the South African Bureau of Heraldry. Officers often participate in international congresses and collaborate on genealogical projects concerning the British diaspora.

Category:Heraldry Category:Organisations based in the City of London Category:1484 establishments in England