College of Arms facts for kids
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Headquarters of the College of Arms (2011), with the dome of St Paul's Cathedral behind
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| Royal Corporation | |
| Founded | 2 March 1484 (incorporated) 18 July 1555 (reincorporated) |
| Founder | Richard III of England Mary I of England & Philip II of Spain |
| Headquarters | 130 Queen Victoria Street City of London EC4V 4BT |
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Area served
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England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia and New Zealand |
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Key people
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Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk, Hereditary Earl Marshal; David White, Garter Principal King of Arms |
| Services | Recording, granting and regulation of heraldry, coats of arms and pedigrees |
| Parent | Royal Household of the United Kingdom |
The College of Arms, also known as the Heralds' College, is a special royal group of experts. They are in charge of all things related to heraldry (the study of coats of arms) in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and some other Commonwealth realm countries. The King or Queen of Britain chooses these experts, called heralds. They help the Crown with creating new coats of arms, researching family histories, and keeping records of family trees.
The College also handles rules about flags flown on land. They keep official lists of flags and other national symbols. Even though they are part of the Royal Household of the United Kingdom, the College pays for itself. It does not use public money.
King Richard III of England started the College in 1484. It is one of the few official groups for heraldry left in Europe. In the UK, there are two such groups: the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland and the College of Arms for the rest of the UK. The College has been in the City of London since it began. Its current home on Queen Victoria Street has been used since 1555. The College of Arms also helps plan many important royal events. These include coronations, state funerals, the yearly Garter Service, and the State Opening of Parliament. Heralds from the College often join the King or Queen at these events.
The College has thirteen main officers, called heralds. There are three Kings of Arms, six Heralds of Arms, and four Pursuivants of Arms. There are also seven extra officers who help with ceremonies but are not part of the main College. The Earl Marshal oversees the whole group. This is a special family role always held by the Duke of Norfolk.
Contents
History of the College of Arms
How the College Started
King Richard III of England was very interested in heraldry. He owned two important books of coats of arms. Before he became King, he was in charge of the heralds. He planned to improve how they were organized. Soon after becoming King, he made Sir John Howard the Duke of Norfolk and Earl Marshal of England. Sir John was the first person from the Howard family to hold both these jobs.
In 1484, King Richard III officially created the royal heralds as a group. He gave them a special document called a royal charter. This charter said the heralds would always be a formal group. It also said they would keep records and have a clear line of succession. This important charter is now kept in the British Museum.
The charter explained the roles of the officers and their ranks. It also listed their special rights and their power over all heraldry in England. The King gave the College one official seal to use. He also gave them a house called Coldharbour in London. This house was for storing records and for the heralds to live in.
Challenges and Changes Over Time
When King Richard III died in battle, the heralds lost their main supporter. The new King, Henry VII, took back the house Richard III had given them. This left the heralds without a home for their records. Many of their books and records were lost. Despite this, the heralds still had a place at the royal court. They had to attend the King at all times.
King Henry VIII loved grand events. This gave the heralds many chances to use their skills. They were often sent to other countries to declare war or deliver messages. In 1520, Henry VIII met the King of France. He brought eighteen heralds with him to help with the many tournaments and ceremonies.
However, the College tried to get their house back from the King many times, but they failed. They had to meet in different palaces or even in each other's homes. Henry VIII also gave many new coats of arms to his wives and their families. Some people thought this hurt the true meaning of heraldry.
In 1530, Henry VIII gave the College a very important job: heraldic visitations. Heralds were sent to all houses and churches. They could destroy any coats of arms that were being used illegally. This job became even more important when monasteries were closed. Monasteries used to keep local family records. After this, the College took over all genealogical records. Heralds carried out hundreds of these visits until the late 1600s. People who broke the rules about arms faced consequences.
The College Gets a New Start
The College found a new supporter in Queen Mary I. This was after they had first announced her rival, Lady Jane Grey, as queen. But when people supported Mary, the heralds quickly changed their minds. They announced Mary as the rightful queen instead. The College said they were forced to support Lady Jane Grey, and Mary accepted their excuse.
In 1555, Queen Mary and her husband Philip II of Spain gave the College a new house called Derby Place. This house was meant to help the College meet and keep their records safe. The charter also officially made the heralds a permanent group. They also got a new official seal with the College's full coat of arms.
Derby Place was near St Paul's Cathedral, where the College is today. The heralds made changes to the house over the years. Records show it had about thirty-two rooms. These rooms were used for work and as homes for eleven officers.
Queen Elizabeth I confirmed the College's special rights in 1566. During her long reign, the College faced many arguments between its officers. These fights were about their rights and rules. This hurt the College's reputation. An investigation in 1596 led to important changes under King James I.
The English Civil War and Survival
When the English Civil War began in 1642, the College was divided. Some heralds supported King Charles I, while others sided with Parliament. However, the heralds asked Parliament to protect their important records. In 1643, the heralds joined the King. Sir Edward Walker, a Garter King of Arms, even worked as the King's chief secretary during peace talks. After King Charles I was executed, Walker joined Charles II in exile.
Parliament took over the College's building in 1646. They removed officers who supported the King and put their own people in charge. Despite this, the College's work continued. Heralds were even present at Oliver Cromwell's ceremony when he became Lord Protector.
When King Charles II returned in 1660, all the changes made by Parliament were cancelled. Heralds who had supported the King got their jobs back. In 1666, the Great Fire of London destroyed Derby Place, the College's home. Luckily, the College's library was saved. It was stored in other palaces temporarily.
Rebuilding the College was delayed until 1670 because of a lack of money. The heralds contributed their own money and asked rich people for help. By 1683, the main part of the new building was finished. It was made of plain bricks and had three floors. The building had offices and homes for the heralds. The hall, which was once a library, became the Earl Marshal's Court. It is still used that way today.
The coronation of King James II in 1685 brought the College back into importance. However, after his reign ended, most heralds supported William of Orange and Mary II. The College's influence decreased for a while. The Acts of Union 1707 between England and Scotland did not change the College's powers. The College of Arms and the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland continued to work side by side.
Modern Times and Reforms
The College's influence was much smaller during the reigns of the Hanoverian kings. In 1727, a man pretended to be a herald. The College took him to court, and he was punished. This showed that the College's rights were still respected. In 1737, the College tried to get another charter to confirm their rights, but it didn't happen.
In 1742, a Sugar House was built next to the College. This building was a fire risk and worried the heralds. For years, they tried to get it moved or made safer. In 1820, the College finally bought the Sugar House. This helped ease their money problems.
In 1820, the future King George IV gave the College money every year. This was the first time they received regular money from the Crown since 1555. This helped them repair and support the College.
The College thought about moving to a more fashionable area, like Trafalgar Square. Famous architects like John Nash designed plans, but they were too expensive. Eventually, the College decided to stay. In 1842, they built a new Record Room on the site of the old Sugar House.
In 1861, there was a plan to build a road that would have destroyed the College. But protests from the heralds saved most of the building. Only parts of the wings were removed, and the College was remodeled. It became a three-sided building facing the new Queen Victoria Street.
Reforms and Inquiries
In 1869, an investigation looked into the College. It wanted to see if the rules were being followed and if new rules were needed. One suggestion was to make the College a government department, with officers getting fixed salaries. This was already happening in Scotland. However, the College of Arms remained an independent group. The investigation suggested other changes, which were made in 1871.
Issues about the College's status continued into the 20th century. In 1903, another investigation looked into the College's structure and duties. Some people wanted the officers to be paid by the government. But the investigation decided this was not practical at the time. In 1905, the government stopped the annual money given by the Crown.
A third investigation happened in 1928. It looked at criticisms about the heralds' work. Some thought the heralds were too focused on making money from clients. The investigation suggested that the College should work more closely with the Home Office. However, it decided that the fee system was fine and no fixed salaries were needed.
The College Today
In 1934, the College celebrated its 450th anniversary with an exhibition. Over 10,000 people visited, including the Duke and Duchess of York (who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother).
During World War II, the College's records were moved to a safe place. In 1941, the College building almost burned down during a fire in London. A change in the wind saved it. All the records were returned safely after the war.
In 1943, the College got new responsibilities. The office of Ulster King of Arms was combined with Norroy King of Arms. This created a new office called Norroy and Ulster King of Arms.
After the war, the College building was in bad shape. In 1954, they decided to repair it instead of abandoning it. With help from the government and public donations, the building was fixed. The current gates to the building were added in 1956.
In 1984, the College celebrated its 500th anniversary. A special service was held at St Benet's, Paul's Wharf, the College's official church. Queen Elizabeth II and the heralds processed from the College to the church.
In 2009, a fire broke out in the west wing of the College building. Firefighters quickly controlled the flames. No records or books were damaged. Repairs were finished later that year.
What the College of Arms Does
Ceremonial Duties
The College of Arms is part of the Royal Household. This means they join the King or Queen at various state events. These events show the importance and power of the monarchy. Today, heralds wear their full uniforms only twice a year. These are for the State Opening of Parliament and the Garter Service. The Earl Marshal is in charge of planning all state ceremonies. So, the heralds have a role in every important royal event.
At the State Opening of Parliament, heralds lead the Royal Procession. They walk in front of the King or Queen. This procession goes from the Victoria Tower to the House of Lords. The heralds stay with the monarch during the speech.
Garter Service, or Garter Day, happens every June at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. New members of the Order of the Garter are given their special badges by the King or Queen. Afterwards, everyone has lunch wearing their blue velvet robes. Then, they walk in a procession to St George's Chapel. Members of the College of Arms lead this procession in their special tabards.
Heralds also have important roles when a monarch dies. After the death of a Sovereign, a special council meets to announce the next King or Queen. Heralds are given the job of reading this announcement in different places in London. The first reading is usually from a balcony at St James's Palace. Another reading happens at Temple Bar. Here, heralds formally ask to enter the City of London.
During the Coronation Ceremony, heralds walk in the Royal procession into Westminster Abbey. They walk with their Scottish colleagues from the Lord Lyon Court. The Garter King of Arms helps guide the ceremony. Only during this ceremony are the Kings of Arms allowed to wear their special crowns. They are the only people, apart from the King and Queen, allowed to do so.
At State funerals, heralds walk at the front of the royal procession. In the past, during royal funerals, heralds would carry pieces of armor. These represented different parts of chivalry. One of the most serious jobs for heralds at a royal funeral is to read the full list of titles of the dead monarch.
Granting and Proving Coats of Arms
Only the British monarch can grant coats of arms in the UK. However, the monarch lets two groups do this: the Lord Lyon for Scotland, and the College of Arms for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. With the College of Arms, you can get a coat of arms in two ways. You can prove you are a direct male descendant of someone who already has one. Or, you can get a new one granted by the King of Arms.
When someone wants a new coat of arms, it is given through a special document called Letters Patent. The King of Arms has the power to do this. But first, the Earl Marshal must agree. This has been the rule since 1673.
First, a person sends a request, called a memorial, to the Earl Marshal. An officer of arms helps write this request. There are no strict rules for who can get a coat of arms today. However, the College suggests that things like awards, university degrees, or public service are considered.
How to Get a Coat of Arms Today
The fee for a coat of arms is paid when the request is sent. As of 2023, a personal grant of arms costs £8,050. A grant for a non-profit group costs £16,455. For a business, it costs £24,510. These fees cover the cost of the artwork and writing on the document. This document is a work of art itself. The fees also help with other costs for the heralds and for keeping the College running.
Once the Earl Marshal approves, the King of Arms can start designing the arms. The King of Arms considers the applicant's wishes. The design must follow all heraldry rules. It must also be completely new and different from any other arms in the College's records. A first drawing is sent to the person for approval.
Once the design is agreed upon, the final grant is made. This is a handmade, colorful, and decorated document. It is written and painted on vellum by a College artist. The King of Arms then signs and seals it. The document is given to the person, allowing them and their future male descendants to use the arms. A copy is always kept in the College's records.
Once granted, a coat of arms belongs to the owner and their male descendants. To prove you have the right to use arms by family descent, you must show that an ancestor had their arms recorded at the College. You can contact an officer at the College for help. They can research your family name in the College's archives. If a connection is found, more research is done outside the College to confirm the family link.
Changing Names and Records
The College of Arms is also a place where you can officially record a change of name. While you don't always need to do this formally, you can use a deed poll to show your intention to use a new name. These deeds can be recorded at the High Court or the College. Once recorded, the change is usually published in the London Gazette.
It is also possible to change your coat of arms. This can be done with or without changing your last name. This requires a Royal Licence from the Crown. The Royal Licence tells the Kings of Arms to create the new arms for you. These licences are usually given if there's a special reason, like a requirement in a will. The Royal Licence is also published in the London Gazette.
Because coats of arms are passed down through families, the College has been involved in genealogy since the 1400s. The College often helps people research their family history in the British Isles. The College has many old records, like family trees, going back over five centuries. If you want your family's history recorded, an officer at the College can help. They will make sure the family tree is in the correct format. They will also advise you on what documents are needed to prove your family links. After checking, the family tree is officially recorded in the College's register.
The Roll of the Peerage
The House of Lords Act 1999 changed how hereditary peers (people who inherit noble titles) sit in the House of Lords. Before this, anyone inheriting a title would prove it to Parliament. Now, a new record called the Roll of the Peerage keeps track of all peers.
In 2004, Queen Elizabeth II ordered this new record to be kept. The College of Arms publishes this roll. An online version is available today.
College's Role Outside the UK
The College of Arms says it is the official heraldic group for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and many Commonwealth countries like Australia and New Zealand. The job of New Zealand Herald Extraordinary was created in 1978. This person works with the College to grant new arms in New Zealand.
However, the Australian government has not fully confirmed the College's official status there. They say that grants from the College are one way Australians can get heraldic symbols. But they have the same status as those made by a local artist. Some groups in Australia want their own national heraldic body, like Canada's.
The Earl Marshal
The Earl Marshal is one of the most important officers of the state. This role has existed since 1386. Since 1672, the job has been passed down through the same family. Today, the Duke of Norfolk always holds this title.
The Earl Marshal's role used to be about war. He was also a judge in the Court of Chivalry. Over time, his job changed to focus on state and royal ceremonies. By the 1500s, he also oversaw the College of Arms and its heralds. So, the Earl Marshal is the head of the College of Arms. He must approve all important decisions, including appointing new heralds. The Earl Marshal also controls the flying of flags in England and Wales.
| Head of the College of Arms | |||
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| Arms | Titles and offices | Name (date of succession) |
Notes |
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Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England |
Edward William Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk, GCVO, DL (24 June 2002) |
Edward, Duke of Norfolk (born 1956) became Earl Marshal when his father died in 2002. His oldest son, Henry Fitzalan-Howard, Earl of Arundel (born 1987), will take over the role next. |
The Court of Chivalry
The High Court of Chivalry, or the Earl Marshal's Court, is a special court in England. The Earl Marshal leads it. This court handles all matters related to heraldry. It makes sure the College of Arms' decisions are followed. The court deals with cases about social rank and the rules of arms. For example, it handles complaints about someone using another person's coat of arms without permission. The Court of Chivalry meets at the College of Arms. The last time it met was in 1954.
Heralds of the College
The College of Arms is made up of thirteen heralds, called Officers in Ordinary. These are divided into three ranks: three Kings of Arms, six Heralds of Arms, and four Pursuivants of Arms. There are also seven Officers Extraordinary. They help with ceremonies but are not part of the main College. The King or Queen appoints the heralds based on the Earl Marshal's advice.
All the main officers have names and badges from English monarchs. The extra officers get their names from the Earl Marshal's titles and lands.
Salaries and Fees
The College mostly pays for itself and does not get regular public money. Its officers do have official salaries from the Crown, but these are very small today. For many centuries, heralds have also earned money by doing private work in heraldry and genealogy. The government pays the Garter King of Arms for work done for the government.
| Officers in Ordinary | 1618 | 1831 | Present |
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| Garter King of Arms | £100 | £49 1s. 4d | £49.07 |
| Provincial Kings of Arms | £40 | £20 5s. | £20.25 |
| Heralds | £26 13s. 4d | £17 16s. | £17.80 |
| Pursuivants | £20 | £13 19s. | £13.95 |
Note: The right-hand column shows the modern decimal value of the 1831 salary.
Uniforms of the Heralds
The most famous part of a herald's uniform is their tabard. These special garments have been around since the 1200s. A tabard shows that the herald represents their master, especially if their master is a King or Queen.
The tabards are made of different fabrics depending on the officer's rank. A King of Arms' tabard is made of velvet and cloth of gold. A Herald's is made of satin, and a Pursuivant's is made of damask silk. All heralds' tabards have the Sovereign's royal arms richly embroidered on them. In the past, pursuivants wore their tabards differently, with the sleeves at the front and back.
Until 1888, the Crown provided all tabards. But after that, heralds had to pay for their own or buy ones used by previous officers. Now, the Lord Chamberlain keeps a stock of tabards that heralds can borrow while they are in office. Heralds and pursuivants also wear black velvet caps with a special badge.
Besides tabards, heralds wear scarlet court uniforms with gold embroidery for formal events. They wear white breeches and stockings for coronations and black for other times. They also wear black shiny court shoes with gold buckles. Heralds also have special sceptres, which are symbols of their job. These are short black batons with gilded ends. They also wear a Collar of SS over their uniforms. For bad weather, they wear a large black cape. At state funerals, they wear a wide black silk sash over their tabards.
The three Kings of Arms have been allowed to wear a crown since the 1200s. The silver-gilt crown has sixteen leaves and a Latin phrase from Psalm 51. Inside the crown is a cap of crimson velvet lined with ermine. In olden times, Kings of Arms had to wear their crowns on certain holidays. Today, the crown is saved for the most important events. The last time these crowns were worn was at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023. At other times, Kings of Arms wear a black bicorne hat with white ostrich feathers or a black velvet cap.
The New Zealand Herald of Arms Extraordinary has a special uniform. They wear the tabard only when they are in the UK for duties. In New Zealand, they wear morning dress as their official uniform, along with their chains and baton.
Qualifications for Heralds
There are no formal qualifications to become a herald. However, special knowledge and skills are needed. Most current officers are trained lawyers and historians. In 1586, writer John Ferne said that a herald should be a gentleman and an older man. He also said they need knowledge of many subjects and even war. Some of the greatest scholars and historians have been members of the College.
However, some controversial appointments have been made. For example, in 1704, the architect Sir John Vanbrugh became Clarenceux King of Arms. He knew little about heraldry and had even made fun of it. Still, he was a very famous person.
List of Heralds
Officers in Ordinary
| Kings of Arms | |||
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| Arms | Office | Name (date of appointment) |
Notes |
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(1 July 2021) |
This is the most senior King of Arms. His title comes from the Order of the Garter. The office started in 1415. |
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(1 April 2021) |
His area is the part of England south of the River Trent. This office started around 1334. Its name comes from the royal Dukedom of Clarence. |
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(1 April 2021) |
His area is the part of England north of the River Trent (Norroy) and Northern Ireland (Ulster). The office was created in 1943 when Norroy and Ulster were combined. "Norroy" means "north king" in French. |
| Heralds of Arms in Ordinary | |||
| Badge | Office | Name (date of appointment) |
Notes |
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(7 April 2010) |
This herald served Dukes and Earls of Richmond in the past. |
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(31 May 2012) |
The first York Herald likely served the Duke of York around 1385. |
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(5 July 2019) |
This office might have started for the Order of the Garter in 1348. |
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(2 November 2023) |
This herald originally served the Dukes of Lancaster. |
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(12 April 2024) |
Somerset Herald is known to have served the Duke of Somerset in 1448. |
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Since 2023 |
This office was likely created by King Edward III for Edward, the Black Prince. |
| Pursuivants of Arms in Ordinary | |||
| Badge | Office | Name (date of appointment) |
Notes |
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(21 February 2022) |
Started around 1490, named after a badge of Lady Margaret Beaufort. |
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(20 February 2023) |
Named after St George's Cross, a symbol of England. Started around 1418. |
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(6 November 2023) |
Started in 1485, named after the red dragon of Wales. |
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(16 April 2024) |
Likely started by Henry V for the Order of the Garter service. |
Officers Extraordinary
| Officers of Arms Extraordinary | |||
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| Badge | Office | Name (date of appointment) |
Notes |
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(6 February 1978) |
This special role was created in 1978 to oversee heraldry in New Zealand. The badge is a crowned Maori koru. |
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(25 January 1989) |
This role was brought back in 1887 by the Earl Marshal. |
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(25 October 1994) |
This officer served the Dukes of Norfolk starting in 1539. |
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(2 August 2010) |
This office was re-established in 1963. |
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(3 May 2022) |
This role was brought back in 1727. |
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(7 October 1998) |
This role was first created for Queen Victoria's coronation in 1837. |
The College's Coat of Arms
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Images for kids
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Armorial achievement of the College and its Kings of Arms, from Lant's Roll painted by Thomas Lant around 1595. It shows the arms of Garter, Clarenceux, Norroy and Ulster.
See also
In Spanish: College of Arms para niños
- Other institutions linked to the College of Arms
- St Benet Paul's Wharf – The official church of the College
- Heralds' Museum – A former museum that showed items from the College.
- White Lion Society – A group started in 1986 to help the College of Arms with donations.
- The Heraldry Society – An organization dedicated to studying heraldry.
- Similar heraldic authorities in other parts of the world
- Court of the Lord Lyon – Scotland, United Kingdom
- Canadian Heraldic Authority – Canada
- Genealogical Office – Republic of Ireland
- Council of Heraldry and Vexillology - French Community, Belgium
- Flemish Heraldic Council – Flemish Community, Belgium
- Bureau of Heraldry – South Africa
- National Archives of Sweden
- United States Army Institute of Heraldry
- Subjects under the jurisdiction of the College
- English heraldry
- Welsh heraldry
- Northern Irish Heraldry
- Australian heraldry
- New Zealand heraldry
