Gerard Legh facts for kids

Gerard Legh (died 1563) was an English lawyer. He was well-known for writing about heraldry, which is the study of coats of arms and family symbols.

Gerard Legh: A Life in History

Early Life and Education

Gerard Legh was the son of Henry Legh, a cloth merchant from Fleet Street in London. His mother was Isabel Cailis. He received his education from Robert Wroth in Enfield, Middlesex. Although some thought he studied at the University of Oxford, he actually did not attend there.

A Career in Law and Trade

Gerard first learned the family business by working as an apprentice for his father. An apprentice learns a trade by working for an experienced person. He then became a member of the Drapers' Company, which was a group for cloth merchants.

Later, Gerard decided to study law. He joined the Inner Temple, which is one of the professional associations for lawyers in London. He also traveled to France and was planning a trip to Venice in 1562.

Sadly, Gerard Legh died from the bubonic plague on October 13, 1563. The bubonic plague was a serious disease that caused many deaths in that time. He was buried two days later at St. Dunstan-in-the-West church, where a monument was built to remember him. He left behind his wife, Alice, and their five daughters.

His Famous Book: The Accedens of Armory

Gerard Legh wrote only one book, called The Accedens of Armory. It was first published in London in 1562. Later editions were also printed, sometimes with the title The Accedence of Armorie.

What is Heraldry?

Heraldry is the art of designing and displaying coats of arms. These are special symbols or designs used by families, towns, or organizations. They often appear on shields, flags, or banners.

Legh's book was written as a conversation between two characters: 'Gerarde the Herehaught' (a heraldry expert) and 'Legh the Caligat Knight'. A friend named Richard Argall helped with some parts of the book.

Legh tried to explain heraldry in his book, but he made some parts intentionally unclear. This was because he didn't want to reveal too many secrets or special information that belonged only to the College of Arms. The College of Arms was, and still is, the official authority for heraldry in England. The book also includes a drawing that might be a picture of Legh himself, shown as a made-up character called 'Panther Herald'.

The Book's Impact

Historian J. P. Cooper said that The Accedens of Armory was "perhaps the most popular heraldic work" in the late 1500s. The book talked about what it meant to be a "gentleman" and who had the right to use a coat of arms. It spread some very strict ideas about these topics, which weren't always based on common law or old traditions. Legh's book also greatly influenced another important heraldry book, Workes of Armorie, written by John Bossewell in 1572.