College of Arms visit

20 members of the company and guests were privileged to tour the College of Arms guided by the Garter Principal King of Arms, Thomas Woodcock. We were amazed to see the collection of original and unique manuscripts which are the still the prime working documents for all the heraldic work carried out by the College of Arms today, this work still being recorded by the hand of artists and scriveners on vellum as it has been since the 15^th century.

Thomas was able to demonstrate his encyclopaedic knowledge of heraldry with an attempt to trace arms attributed to the Master’s family, the search being partially successful with references to greyhounds providing links to be explored further, or perhaps foretelling success at a future race meeting.

Following the visit we were pleased to be joined by Garter for supper in a City restaurant, where he told us his annual salary of £49.07, unchanged since the reign of William IV, rarely provided for meals out!