Sir John Vanbrugh
The College of Arms went through a period of great difficulty towards the end of the 17th century, reaching a low point in the early eighteenth century. Between December 1704 and December 1706 not a single grant of arms was registered. The College of Arms operates under the Earl Marshal’s authority but Thomas Duke of Norfolk, who had succeeded his uncle as Earl Marshal in 1701, was disqualified as a minor until 1704 and then disqualified for being a catholic. His office was exercised by a succession of deputies. It was one of these deputies, proclaiming the rights of the Earl Marshal, who appointed the renowned architect and dramatist John Vanbrugh to be Clarenceux King of Arms. At this time he was known primarily for his plays and his scandalous wit. There are three Kings of Arms of the College of Arms: Garter Principal King of Arms, Clarenceux King of Arms, and Norroy and Ulster King of Arms. Clarenceux has jurisdiction over England south of the River Trent and Wales. Norroy and Ulst...
