Photo: Thomas Johnston, Rouge Croix Pursuivant, in the Earl Marshal’s Court at the College of Arms
On 1st July, a group of WCSIM members and guests had the rare opportunity to explore the College of Arms, hosted by Thomas Johnston, Rouge Crois Pursuivant, and William Hunt, erstwhile Windsor Herald. The College is the heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and most of the Commonwealth, and has occupied its current site in the City of London for almost 500 years. There are numerous links with livery companies and City institutions; for example, Mr Hunt is a former Master Playing Card Maker and member of the Court of Common Council. We were treated to educational and entertaining talks about the history of the College and the work of the heralds, visiting the Earl Marshal’s Court and the Waiting Room where we enjoyed a glass of wine. But the highlight of the evening undoubtedly was the Record Room, where we were shown treasures from the College’s collection of heraldic, genealogical and ceremonial records dating back many centuries. Our hosts went to a great deal of trouble to include material of particular relevance to us, including the Company’s own grant of arms and the arms of liverymen including late Past Master David Wallis, Paul Everington, Peter Walpole and Steve Keevil. Other highlights included original plans and designs for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth I; the family tree of Isaac Newton, recorded during a heraldic visitation and bearing his own signature; and a hand-written family tree of all the descendants of Queen Victoria, signed by many members of the Royal Family. The arms of the Victorian scientist and inventor William Crookes provided an example of the use of scientific instruments in heraldry. The evening was rounded off by an excellent buffet supper with more wine and an opportunity to chat with our hosts informally, where discussion included currently topical issues about gender equality in heraldry. We are grateful to Mr Johnston and Mr Hunt for such an enjoyable and memorable evening.