College of Arms

views updated Jun 11 2018

College of Arms. Established in 1484 by Richard III to bring order into the approval of heraldic designs. Garter king-of-arms has precedence though his concerns are mainly with his order. Clarenceux king-of-arms looks after the area south of the Trent, Norroys king-of-arms the area north and Ulster. There are also six heralds and four pursuivants, under the overall control of the earl marshal. Scottish heraldry is the responsibility of the Lyon Office under Lord Lyon king-of-arms, assisted by three heralds and three pursuivants. The office of Lord Lyon descends from that of Sennachie, bard to the ancient Celtic kings of Scotland.

J. A. Cannon

College of Arms

views updated Jun 11 2018

College of Arms in the UK, a corporation which officially records and grants armorial bearings. Formed in 1484, it comprises three Kings of Arms, six heralds, and four pursuivants.

Arms, College of

views updated May 17 2018

Arms, College of. See College of Arms.