On Tuesday 20 January, 20 members and guests of the Company gathered at the College of Arms in London for an excellent and extremely informative visit, hosted by William Hunt TD, BA, FCA, Office of Windsor Herald, and Mark Scott MA(Oxon), the Somerset Herald.  The College of Arms is the official Heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and much of the Commonwealth, including Australia and New Zealand.

Mark and William were first-class hosts, providing a fascinating insight into the College, its history, the Heralds and the design/interpretation of the various Coat of Arms through the centuries.  The College maintains the most wonderful, and extensive, Registers of Coat of Arms and the group was treated to an array of famous names, including that of Lord Horatio Nelson who signed the Register with his left hand, having lost his right arm.  Livery Companies, the Military, Corporate Bodies etc which have Coat of Arms are also recorded in the Registers. 

The evening concluded with a delicious buffet and a glass of wine (or 2!), provided by the College.  My thanks to Middle Warden, Andrew Knights, for arranging yet another successful visit and huge thanks to Mark and William for a truly memorable visit.  A further visit is planned for January 2027 – so please book early to avoid disappointment!

Sue Jones,
Master