Richard St George facts for kids

Sir Richard St George (born around 1550 – died 1635) was a very important officer of arms. He worked for many years at the College of Arms in London. This college is where heraldry (the study of coats of arms and family histories) is managed in England.

Richard St George's Life and Work

Richard St George was the second son of Francis St George. He was born in Hatley, Cambridgeshire. In 1575, he married Elizabeth St John. She came from a famous family in Wiltshire. Elizabeth was even related to King Henry VII!

Richard loved collecting old books and papers. He also enjoyed studying history. He was part of a group called the Society of Antiquaries. This group studied old things and history.

Joining the College of Arms

In 1602, Richard joined the College of Arms. He first became a Berwick Pursuivant of Arms. This was an entry-level job for someone who helped with heraldry. Later, he became a Windsor Herald of Arms. A herald is a more senior officer of arms.

In 1604, Richard became Norroy King of Arms. This was a very important position. In 1616, he was made a knight by the King. This meant he could use the title "Sir."

Becoming Clarenceux King of Arms

In 1623, Richard reached an even higher position. He became Clarenceux King of Arms. This was the second-highest heraldic job in all of England! He worked hard in all his roles until he passed away.

Richard was known for doing many "heraldic visitations." These were official trips where he would travel around the country. He would check and record the coats of arms used by noble families. He also made sure they were using them correctly. He was a very smart scholar and historian.

Richard St George died in 1635. He was buried in St Andrew's church in Holborn, London. His family's coat of arms was described as Argent a Chief Azure overall a Lion rampant Gules crowned Or. This means it had a silver shield with a blue top part. Over this was a red lion standing up, wearing a gold crown.

Richard St George's Family

Richard St George was the head of a famous family of heralds. His son, Henry, also became a very important officer of arms. Henry became Garter Principal King of Arms in 1645. This is the highest heraldic position in England!

Henry's two sons, Thomas and Henry, also became Garters later on. This shows how important heraldry was to their family.

Richard's second son was Sir George St George. He lived in Carrickdrumrusk. Sir George had three sons: Oliver, George, and Charles. His family line later led to the Barons St George. Another son of Richard, also named Richard, was an ancestor of the St Georges who lived in Woodsgift in County Kilkenny.

Family Coat of Arms

Arms of Richard St George

Crest A demi-lion as in the Arms. Escutcheon Argent, a chief azure & over all a lion rampant gules crowned or. Motto Firmitas in Coelo

The St George family had a special coat of arms. A coat of arms is a unique design that represents a family or a person. It's like a special symbol.

Their motto was Firmitas in Coelo. This is Latin and means "Steadfastness in Heaven." A motto is a short phrase that expresses a family's beliefs or goals.