On a City Consorts’ visit to the College of Arms I heard about the history and work of the College. As it is 25 years since we became a Livery company and 20 years since we received our royal charter I was intrigued to find more about the award of our coat of arms.
We heard that in the middle ages knights taking part in tournaments bore arms on their shields and crests on their helmets to identify themselves. The College was established to regulate the use of arms. It is responsible for the granting of new coats of arms and keeps registers of arms, pedigrees, genealogies, Royal Licences, changes of name, and flags. The staff at the College (“heralds”) also advise on honours, ceremonial arrangements and national symbols, including flags. The heralds are directly appointed by the Sovereign on the recommendation of the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk.
A Challenge. Can you identify whose coats of arms include the items above?
When I asked our herald guide to find the record of the award or our Company arms in the large panelled library he tracked them down immediately and presented them to us for inspection. Carefully crafted by hand, the description of the award and design of the arms, badge and pennant were very interesting. The artwork and detail was equally impressive. More details can be found on our web page https://waterconservators.org/about/coat-of-arms/
It was fascinating to read of the history behind our Company and we were grateful for the opportunity.
Professor Martin Bigg, Past Master and Eileen Bigg, Consort and Freeman
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