College of Arms

A royal corporation founded by King Richard III, styled the Corporation of Kings, Heralds and Pursuivants of Arms, and composed as follows:

The Earl Marshal and his Secretary

A Registrar

The following Officers of Arms:

Three Kings-of-Arms - Garter, Clarenceux and Norroy

Six Heralds - Chester, Lancaster, York, Somerset, Richmond and Windsor

Four Pursuivants - Rouge-Croix , Bluemantle, Rouge-Dragon and Portcullis

Other officers

This institution determines all questions relating to arms and grants of armorial bearings in England and Wales. The office of Earl Marshal is now hereditary, being held by the Dukes of Norfolk. The corresponding college for Scotland is known as Lyon Court. In Northern Ireland the heraldic authority is Norroy King-of-Arms following the discontinuation of the office of  Ulster King-of-Arms, whereas in the Republic of Ireland heraldic matters are dealt with by the Chief Herald of Ireland. Both authorities recognise one another's grants.