College of Arms HomeAbout Us Services Resources News & Grants Contact Us Granting of Arms Read more... « » Pause Latest News Sir David Amess MP College of Arms open to public Garter King of Arms Newsletter We produce a newsletter every three months, which is sent automatically and free to those who subscribe. Read our latest newsletter Subscribe Free The College of Arms is the official heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and much of the Commonwealth including Australia and New Zealand. As well as being responsible for the granting of new coats of arms, the College maintains registers of arms, pedigrees, genealogies, Royal Licences, changes of name, and flags. The heralds, besides having ceremonial duties, advise on all matters relating to the peerage and baronetage, precedence, honours and ceremonial as well as national and community symbols including flags. Coats of Arms Coats of arms belong to specific individuals and families and there is no such thing as a coat of arms for a family name. From their origins in the twelfth century to the present day arms have been borne by individuals, and by corporate bodies, as marks of identification. They have also been used to denote other characteristics, which have changed over the centuries as society and culture have evolved. New coats of arms have since the fifteenth century been granted both to individuals and corporate bodies by the senior heralds in Royal service, the Kings of Arms. Enquiries If you have an enquiry on a heraldic, genealogical or other relevant topic, you should in the first instance contact the Officer in Waiting. Search ... Privacy Policy Back to Top © College of Arms 2021 Website by Reaper Enterprises Ltd We use session cookies to improve your experience with our website. If you continue using our website without changing your settings, or accept, we'll assume you are happy to receive the cookies set. To find out more about how we use cookies, please read our privacy policy. To find out more about the cookies we use and how to delete them, see our privacy policy. I accept cookies from this site. Agree