George Nayler facts for kids

Sir George Nayler

Sir George Nayler was a very important and long-serving officer at the College of Arms in London. This college is where experts manage things like family histories, coats of arms, and special titles for the King or Queen. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which means he was recognized for his contributions to science and knowledge.

Early Life and Family

George Nayler was born on June 29, 1764, in a place called Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. He was the fifth son in his family. His father, also named George Nayler, was a surgeon from Stroud, Gloucestershire. His mother was Sarah, whose father was John Fark from Clitheroe, Lancashire.

Becoming a Herald

Before working with coats of arms, Nayler was a miniature painter, creating small, detailed portraits. In 1792, he married Charlotte Williams, who was the daughter of Sir John Guise, 1st Baronet. That same year, he borrowed money to buy a special job at the College of Arms. This job was called "Genealogist of the Order of the Bath and Blanc Coursier Herald." He officially started this role on June 15, 1792.

The next year, Nayler got another position at the College of Arms as a Bluemantle Pursuivant. This was another type of herald. Then, in 1794, two other heralds sadly passed away in an accident. Because of this, Nayler was promoted to York Herald in the same year.

Important Roles and Honors

In 1813, George Nayler was honored by The Prince Regent (who was acting as King) and became a Knight Bachelor. This meant he could use the title "Sir."

Later, in 1816 and 1818, he was given even more important roles. He became a "King of Arms" for two new royal groups: the Royal Guelphic Order and the Order of St Michael and St George. A King of Arms is a chief herald who helps manage these special orders and their members.

In 1820, Nayler was promoted again to Clarenceux King of Arms. He even helped with the coronation of King George IV in 1821. A year later, he became the Garter Principal King of Arms, which is the most important heraldic position in England. In this role, he traveled to other countries to present the Garter, a very high honor, to important leaders. He visited:

• Frederick VI of Denmark in 1822
• John VI of Portugal in 1823
• Charles X of France in 1825
• Nicholas I of Russia in 1827

In June 1826, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a group of top scientists and thinkers.

Sir George Nayler's last official duty was at the coronation of King William IV in 1831. He passed away almost two months later, on October 28, 1831, in Hanover Square, Westminster. He was buried in his family's special burial place at the church of St John the Baptist in Gloucester.

Coat of Arms

Arms of George Nayler

Adopted 22 October 1808 Crest (1) On a mount vert a white courser in full speed 'in allusion to the office of Blanc Coursier Herald' charged with a pale gules & thereon a rose argent; (2) A lion's head erased sable transfixed with a spear bendways point downwards or & charged on the neck with a saltire or. Escutcheon Or, a pale plain between 2 lions sable & on a canton gules a white rose barbed & seeded proper. Symbolism White rose in allusion to the institution of the office of York herald by King Edward IV, a white rose barbed & seeded proper being the Badge of the Royal House of York Previous versions Previously: Or, a pale between 2 lions rampant sable (Naylor of Offord Darcy). Crest: A lion's head erased sable with a saltire or on the neck. Then changed to: Or, a pale engrailed between 2 lions sable & on a canton gules a white rose barbed & seeded proper; with quarterings for Park & Osman.