How do I get a coat of arms?

There are two ways of establishing a right to a coat of arms. The first is by descent in the male line from a person to whom arms have been granted or confirmed in the past. If you believe one of your ancestors may have been granted arms you should write to the heraldic authority under whose jurisdiction he would have fallen, sending a sketch pedigree showing your descent from him, and enquire whether any such grant or confirmation was made.

The second is to have new arms granted to yourself which will be inherited by your descendants. Who has the authority to grant you arms depends largely on your nationality and place of residence (see FAQ 'What are the jurisdictions of the heraldic authorities?')

The English Kings of Arms, the three senior English heralds, have the power granted to them to grant coats of arms. They are instructed in their Letters Patent of appointment from the Queen to grant arms to "eminent men". This phrase has for long been interpreted to include both women and corporations. There are no fixed criteria for eligibility, but, generally, such things as professional qualifications, university degrees, having held the Queen's Commission, and charitable and public work is taken into account. Those who think that they might wish to petition for a grant of arms should write to the Officer in Waiting at the College of Arms, Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4 BT, who will always be glad to advise them. Further details regarding the granting of arms in England are given on the College of Arms website at www.college-of-arms.gov.uk.

In Scotland the head of the heraldic authority is Lord Lyon King of Arms. Those who fall under his jurisdiction may petition him for a grant of arms. They are granted to 'virtuous and well deserving persons'. Those interested in petitioning Lord Lyon King of Arms for such a grant should write to The Court of the Lord Lyon, H. M. New Register House, Edinburgh, EH1 3YT and ask for Information Leaflet No. 4, Petitions for Arms.

Canadians should petition the Chief Herald of Canada, and citizens of the Irish Republic the Chief Herald of Ireland.

Rouge Croix Pursuivant
December 2001