Livery Committee: Visit to the College of Arms

The WCI looks forward to a return visit to the College of Arms on 18 March 2026.

The College is the official heraldic authority for the UK (excl Scotland) and much of the Commonwealth.  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 historic ceremonial duties (as seen at the State Opening of Parliament and the annual Garter Day), advise on all matters relating to the peerage and baronetage, precedence, honours and ceremonial as well as national and community symbols including flags.

Court Assistant Branko Bjelobaba will host the evening and our guide, once again, will be Peter O’Donoghue, York Herald.  We will spend the evening being informed about all matters to do with heraldry and be shown many historic coats of arms as at the date they were designed for the holder (incl several relevant to insurance).  Once the tour is done we will enjoy a buffet supper.

The College of Arms (which is in Queen Victoria Street) is an old building, dating from the 17th century, and has many steps (5 floors to the WC) and will not be accessible to those with mobility issues and we regret this.

Tickets are £48 and members and their guests are welcome (although the College can only accommodate 20 in total).  Those attending are asked to assemble at the front entrance at 6:00PM and the evening will end by 9:00PM.