College of Heralds
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| Royal Corporation | |
| Founded | 2 March 1484 (incorporated) 18 July 1555 (reincorporated) |
| Founder |
Richard III of England Mary I of England & Philip II of Spain |
| Headquarters |
Queen Victoria Street London, EC4, United Kingdom |
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Area served
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England, Wales, Northern Ireland and in some Commonwealth realms |
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Key people
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Edward Fitzalan-Howard, Duke of Norfolk (Earl Marshal) Thomas Woodcock (Garter Principal King of Arms) |
| Services | Recording, granting and regulation of heraldry, coats of arms and pedigrees |
| Parent | Royal Household of the United Kingdom |
| Website | College of Arms |
The College of Arms, also known as the College of Heralds, is a royal corporation consisting of professional officers of arms, with jurisdiction over England, Wales, Northern Ireland and some Commonwealth realms. The heralds are appointed by the British Sovereign and are delegated authority to act on behalf of the Crown in all matters of heraldry, the granting of new coats of arms, genealogical research and the recording of pedigrees. The College is also the official body responsible for matters relating to the flying of flags on land, and it maintains the official registers of flags and other national symbols. Though a part of the Royal Household of the United Kingdom the College is self-financed, unsupported by any public funds.
Founded by royal charter in 1484 by King Richard III, the College is one of the few remaining official heraldic authorities in Europe. Within the United Kingdom, there are two such authorities, the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland and the College for the rest of the United Kingdom. The College has had its home in the City of London since its foundation, and has been at its present location on Queen Victoria Street since 1555. The College of Arms also undertakes and consults on the planning of many ceremonial occasions such as coronations, state funerals, the annual Garter Service and the State Opening of Parliament. Heralds of the College accompany the sovereign on many of these occasions.
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Wikipedia