William Dethick facts for kids
Sir William Dethick (born around 1542, died 1612) was an important officer at the College of Arms in London. This college is where experts manage coats of arms and family histories. William followed in his father's footsteps, becoming the main officer in charge of these things, known as the Garter Principal King of Arms.
Even though he was very skilled at understanding coats of arms and history, William Dethick was known for having many disagreements with his co-workers and other people.
Becoming a Herald
William Dethick went to St John's College, Cambridge for his education. In 1567, he started his career as a Rouge Croix Pursuivant, which is a junior officer of arms. By 1570, he became a York Herald, a more senior role.
His father, Sir Gilbert Dethick, who was also a Garter King of Arms, passed away in 1584. For two years, another officer filled in. Then, on April 21, 1586, William Dethick was officially appointed as the Garter Principal King of Arms. This was a very important job!
In May 1604, King James sent William Dethick on a special trip. He traveled with Sir Robert Spencer to visit Frederick I, Duke of Württemberg in Germany. They brought valuable jewels as gifts from the King. These gifts included diamond and ruby garters, and a gold chain. London goldsmiths, John Spilman and William Herrick, made these beautiful items.
Challenges in His Career
People who wrote about William Dethick noted that he often had conflicts during his time as a herald. He was known for having many arguments with others.
Professionally, William was very good at his job. Other heralds respected his skills. However, he sometimes broke the rules. For example, as York Herald, he would approve coats of arms using his own seal. This was a job only the senior Kings of Arms were supposed to do.
He also managed to get extra powers for his Garter King of Arms job by giving money to a clerk. When officials started looking into these problems, Dethick gave up his special powers. But he still kept his main job for a while.
In January 1604, the authorities decided to appoint William Segar as the new Garter. William Dethick didn't want to leave his position. He held onto the job until 1606. Finally, he agreed to step down when he was given a yearly payment of £200.
King James I of England and VI of Scotland made William Dethick a knight on May 13, 1603. Sir William Dethick passed away in 1612. He was buried in St Paul's Cathedral in London. Sadly, his grave and monument were destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Today, his name is on a modern monument in the cathedral's crypt. This monument lists important people whose graves were lost in the fire.
Family Coat of Arms
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