College Of Arms | London England

College Of Arms London.
The *College of Arms* in England is a royal corporation founded by Richard III in 1484. Here are some key points about it:
- **Function**: It is responsible for regulating heraldry in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and some Commonwealth realms. This includes granting new coats of arms, pedigrees, and recording genealogies.
- **Structure**:
- **King of Arms**: There are three Kings of Arms:
- **Garter Principal King of Arms**: The senior officer and often considered the head of the College.
- **Clarenceux King of Arms**: Responsible for the south of England.
- **Norroy and Ulster King of Arms**: Responsible for the north of England and Northern Ireland.
- **Heralds**: Officers who assist the Kings of Arms. Notable positions include Windsor Herald, Lancaster Herald, etc.
- **Pursuivants**: Junior officers, like Rouge Dragon Pursuivant, Bluemantle Pursuivant, etc.
- **Heraldic Duties**:
- **Granting Arms**: They grant new coats of arms to individuals, corporations, and institutions.
- **Confirming Arms**: They can confirm arms that have been used for a long time without formal recognition.
- **Genealogy**: They maintain records of pedigrees and can provide genealogical research services.
- **Ceremonial Roles**: The College of Arms plays a significant role in state ceremonies, including coronations, royal funerals, and other major public events where heraldry is involved.
- **Historical Records**: The College houses an extensive collection of historical records, including medieval rolls of arms, genealogical charts, and documents related to noble families.
- **Jurisdiction**: While Scotland has its own heraldic authority, the Court of the Lord Lyon, the College of Arms has no jurisdiction there. However, it does work in coordination with other heraldic authorities internationally.
- **Public Access**: While primarily a regulatory body, the College of Arms does offer services to the public, including searches of their records, advice on heraldic matters, and the creation of new armorial bearings.
The College of Arms remains one of the few heraldic authorities in the world still actively involved in the creation and regulation of heraldry, maintaining traditions that date back centuries while adapting to modern needs. If you're interested in heraldry, genealogy, or the ceremonial aspects of British history, the College of Arms is a fascinating institution to study.
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