Anthony Wagner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Anthony Wagner
KCB KCVO FSA
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Sir Anthony Richard Wagner, while serving as Richmond Herald of Arms in Ordinary in 1952.
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| Garter Principal King of Arms | |
| In office 1961–1978 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Sir George Bellew |
| Succeeded by | Colin Cole |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 6 September 1908 |
| Died | 5 May 1995 (aged 86) |
Sir Anthony Richard Wagner (6 September 1908 – 5 May 1995) was a very important historian and expert on family trees (called genealogy) and heraldry (the study of coats of arms). He worked for a long time at the College of Arms in London. This college is where coats of arms are officially recorded and managed.
He became the main expert, known as Garter Principal King of Arms. He wrote many books about heraldry and genealogy, making him one of the most important writers on these topics in the 20th century.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Anthony Wagner's family came to England from Germany in 1709. His ancestor, Melchior Wagner, even made hats for King George I and King George II!
Anthony's father ran a school in London. Anthony went to famous schools like Eton College and Balliol College at Oxford University. Even though he found some subjects boring, he loved learning about family histories from a young age. His favorite book was about the family trees of important people.
His Career as a Herald
Anthony Wagner joined the College of Arms in 1931. He started as a junior officer called Portcullis Pursuivant. He was later promoted to Richmond Herald in 1943. In 1961, he became the top officer, the Garter Principal King of Arms.
He believed that these jobs were for life. He was very busy and trained many skilled assistants. These assistants later became officers of arms themselves. He also collected a huge number of old books and papers about heraldry.
During World War II, he worked for the government for four years. He then returned to the College of Arms in 1946.
Important Ceremonies
Anthony Wagner played a big part in many important events:
- He was involved in the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1951.
- As Garter King of Arms, he helped with the funeral of Winston Churchill in 1965.
- He also helped with the special ceremony for the Prince of Wales in 1969.
He really wanted to create a museum to show off the amazing treasures of the College of Arms. In 1981, the Heralds' Museum finally opened at the Tower of London.
He was a strong believer in the importance of ceremonies. In 1981, he said that ceremonies help us remember our nation's long history. He felt they connect us to our past, going back more than 1,000 years.
Timeline of His Career
- 1931: Became Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms.
- 1940–1995: Was the main editor for the Dictionary of British Arms.
- 1943: Became Richmond Herald of Arms.
- 1952–1961: Was Secretary of the Order of the Garter.
- 1953–1960: Was Registrar of the College of Arms.
- 1961–1978: Served as Garter Principal King of Arms.
- 1978–1995: Became Clarenceux King of Arms.
- 1978–1983: Was Director of the Heralds' Museum at the Tower of London.
Personal Life
In 1953, Anthony Wagner married Gillian Graham. They lived in London and also had a country house in Aldeburgh, Suffolk. They had a daughter and two sons.
His funeral was held at a church near the College of Arms. He was buried in Aldeburgh.
Honours and Awards
- 1953: Received the Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
- 1961: Became a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
- 1978: Became a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.
Images for kids
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The coat of arms granted to Sir Anthony Wagner in 1950.
See Also
