Isabel Atwyll, WAIN, 2014

Be it known that our very Sovereign Lord the King, Nigel II, and the Queen, Adrielle II, sitting in Parliament on their Royal seats, at the request of their Lords Spiritual and Temporal and of their Commons assembled in the same Parliament, created and preferred Isabel Atwyll as Companion in their Order of the Wain. This being done to recognize her service as Minister of the Lists, Seneschal, Gate Keeper and in numerous other occupations. And hereupon, after the homage done to their Majesties by the same, the said Isabel was commanded by their Majesties to sit in her seat among the Order thus given to her. This was done in the Shire of Bastille du Lac, on the feast day of Bernadette Soubirous, at the Tournoi de Coeur de Glace.

Wording by THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on the Creations of the King’s Brother John as Earl of Kendal and Duke of Bedford, and of his Brother Humphrey as Duke of Gloucester by Henry V, 1414. Extant from Rolls of Parliament, R.C.V. 172.

Grant of her Arms by Joanna Lee to Richard Peshal (1436)

Noverint universi pre presentes, me Joannam nuper uxorem Willielmi Lee de Knightley, dominam et rectam haeredem de Knightly, dedisse concessisse & hac praesenti cartamea confirmasse Ricardo Peshale filio Humfridi Peshale scutum Armorum meorum; Habend. & tenend. ac portand. & utenda ubicunque voluerit sibi & haered. suisimperpetuum: Ita quod non ego, nec aliquis alius nominee meo, aliquid jus vel clamium seu calumpniam in praedicto scuto habere potuerimus, sed per praesentes sumus exclusiimperpetuum. In cujus rei testimonium Sigillum meum apposui, Dat apud Knightly die Mercurii, prox. post festum Paschae, Anno regni regis Henrici sexti post conquestumquarto decimo.

in Remains Concerning Britain by W. Camden, 1674, p. 287

[Source: Private English Concessions of Arms of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries]  

Grant of his Arms by Thomas Grendale (in reversion on the death of Johan Beaumeys) to Sir William Moigne (22 November 1391)

A tous ceux j’ceste presente lettre verront ou orrant, Thomas Grendale de Fenton, cosyn & heir a Johan Beaumeys iadys de Sautre Salutz en dieu. Come les Armesd'ancestrye du dit Johan apres le iour de son moriant soient par loy & droit d'eritage a moy eschaietz, com a son proschein heir du son linage, Sachetz moy l'avant dit Thomasavoir donee & grantee par y cestes les entiers avant dites Armes one leur appurtenantz a William Moigne Chivaller, quelles Armes Cest assavior sont d'argent one une croisd'asure ove cinq garbes d'or en le crois, A avoir et tenir touz les avandites Armes one leur appurtenantz au dit Monsieur William a ces heires & assignes a tous iours. Entesmoignance de quelle chose a cestez presetes lettres j'ay mis mon saelx. Donn. a Sautre le vint seconde iour de Novembre l'an du regne le Roy Richard seconde, quinzisme.

in Remains Concerning Britain by W. Camden, 1674, p. 286

[Source: Private English Concessions of Arms of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries]  

Confirmation of lands and Arms by Walter Haywode To John Fromond (12 March 1403/4)

To all those who shall see or hear these present letters, Walter Haywode, Esquire, of Stratfeld Say, greeting in God. Know ye that I have granted and by this charter confirm to John Fromond, Esquire, and to his heirs and to his assigns, all the lands, tenements, rents, reversions, suits and services of Haywode in Stratfeldsay aforesaid, together with the appurtenances, by the name of the Manor of Haywode, together with the arms following, that is to say: The Chief azure three fleur de lys argent with a chevron ermine which arms belong to the lands & tenements aforesaid: and the which arms I have used and borne until now by reason of the right in the said lands and tenements aforesaid. And also know ye that I, the said Walter, have released & by these quitclaim for me, my heirs and assigns to the said John, his heirs and his assigns, all the right which I have in the lands and tenements, rents, reversions, suits and services of Haywode aforesaid, together with the appurtenances, which the said John has and holds in fee of my gift in the vills of Bromle and Redynge or elsewhere in the counties of Southampton and Berkshire: To have and to hold all the lands and tenements, rents, reversions, suits and services aforesaid, together with their appurtenances, by the name of the manor of Haywod aforesaid, together with the arms beforenamed, to the said John, his heirs and his assigns, so that I, the aforesaid Walter, my heirs and my assigns, can in the same have or claim no right, title or claim in times to come, but of all manner of actions in the same are closed & forbarredby the presents for ever. And I, the aforesaid Walter, and my heirs will warrant all the lands, tenements, rents, reversions and services and suits together with their appurtenances aforesaid, by the name of the manor of Haywode, together with all the arms aforesaid to the said John & his heirs & his assigns against all men for ever by these presents. In testimony whereof I, the aforesaid Walter to these have put my seal. Given on the feast of St. Gregory the Pope, in the fifth year of the reign of King Henry the Fourth since the conquest of England.

in Collection of Miscellaneous Grants, Harleian Society, 1925 (translated from French)

[Source: Private English Concessions of Arms of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries]  

Quitclaim of lands and Arms by Walter Haywode To John Fromond (12 March 1402/3)

To all faithful in Christ to whom the present writing shall come, Walter Haywode, of Stratfeld Say greeting in the Lord. Know ye that I have remitted, released & wholly of & for me and my heirs quitclaimed to John Fromond, his heirs and assigns for ever my whole state, right and claim, which I had, have or in any way in future may have of and in all and singular the lands, tenements, rents, reversions and services with their appurtenances, which the aforesaid John has and holds in fee by the gift and grant of me, the said Walter and Thomasine my wife, in Stratfeld Say and Bromle, in county Southampton and Redyng in county Berkshire, likewise and in the arms from the Conquest always borne by the tenants of the fee, lands and tenements of Haywode in Stratfeld Say aforesaid, to have, hold and bear all and singular the abovesaid lands, tenements, rents, reversions and services, with their appurtenances, together with the aforesaid arms, lands and tenements of Haywode belonging, to the aforesaid John Fromond his heirs & assigns well & in peace by right of heritage of and for me & my heirs quietly & absolutely for ever of the chief lords of those fees by the rents and services therefor due and of right accustomed.And I, the aforesaid Walter and my heirs will warrant, acquit & defend all and singular the aforesaid lands, tenements, rents, reversions and services with their appurtenances, together with the aforesaid arms of Haywode, to the aforesaid John Fromond, his heirs and assigns against all men in all future time. In witness whereof to this present writing, I, the aforesaid Walter have put my seal. Given on the morrow of St. Gregory the Pope, in the 4th year of the reign of King Henry the Fourth after the Conquest.

in Collection of Miscellaneous Grants, Harleian Society, 1925 (translated from Latin)

[Source: Private English Concessions of Arms of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries]  

Grant of his Arms by Sir Thomas Clanvowe to William Criketot (12 May 1410)

Sciant praesentes & future quod ego Thomas de Clanrowe chevalier, dedi concessi & hac praesenti carta mea Willielmo Criketot consanguineo meo, Arma mea & jus eademgerendi quae mihi jure hereditario descendrunt [sic]: Habend. & tenend. Praedicta Arma mea & jus eadem gerendi praefato Willielmo haeredibus & assignatis suis, absquereclamatione mei vel haeredum meorum imperpetuum. Et ego praedictus Thomas & haeredes mei praedicti, Arma & jus eadem gerendi praefato Willielmo haeredibus &assignatis suis contra omnes gentes warrantizabimus imperpetuum. In cujus rei testimonium praesenti cartae meae sigillum meum apposui. Dat. Apud Hergast, in festo CorporisChristi, Anno regni Henrici quarti post conquestum undecimo.

in Remains Concerning Britain by W. Camden, 1674, p. 288

[Source: Private English Concessions of Arms of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries]  

Grant of his Arms by Robert de Morle (in reversion on the death of Baldwine de Manoires) to Robert de Corby (6 January 1348/9)

A touz ceux que ceste letters verront ou orront, Roberte de Morle, Mariscall D’Irlande saluz en dieu. Saches moi avoir donne & grante a mon bon amee Robert de Corby & a ces heires les Armes que me sont descenduz par voie de Heritage apres le deces Monsieur Baldwine de Manoires, cestaseavoir d’Argent ove une Saltier engraile de Sable,avoir & emporter entirement les Armes judits au dit Robert de Corby & ses heires a tous jours, sans impeachment ou challenge de moi ou de mes heires apres ses heures. Etmoy avant-dit Robert de Morley & mes heires au dit Robert de Corby & a ces heires les Armes avant-dites, en quand en nous est, envers touz homes a toutz jouresgarranterons. On tesmoignance de quell chose a cestes mes letters overtees iaimis mon seale, Donne au Chasteau de Risinge, le jour de la Tissanie, le sisme jour de Januarel’an du regne Edward tiers puis le Conq. D’Engleterre 22 & de france neosisme.

in Remains Concerning Britain by W. Camden, 1674, p. 286

[Source: Private English Concessions of Arms of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Centuries]  

Robert Whitgreave, 1442

Humfrey, Count de Staff. & de Perche seigneur de Tunbrigg & de Caux, a tous ceux qui cestes presentes lettres verront ou orront salutes; Saches que nous considerans lez merites que deivent estres attribues a toutes personnes issues de bone lieu & excersantez bones meures & vertues eux conduisantes termis d�onneur & gentilese ycelle, a consideration a nous amove d�augmenter en honneur & noblesse noble home Robert Whitgreve, luy avoir donne & donons per icestes presentes, pour memory d�onneur perpetuell, au portre set armes ensigne de Noblesse un Escue, de azure, a quatre points d�or, quatre Cheverons de Gules; & luy de partire as autres persones nobles de fon linage en descent avecques les differences de Descent au dit blazon & en honneur le reparer a vous avecque celuy ordeine & attribute Helme & Timbre, cest assavoyr le Helme ove mantle de bloy, furre d�Ermines, au une Coronne un demy Antelope d�or: Et pour ceste nostre lettre patente de dit donne verisier, en tesmoigne la nous fait seeler du seele de nos properes Armes, le xiii. Jour d�August l�an du reigne le Roy Henry le sisme puis le conquest vintisme.

Remains Concerning Britain by William Camden (London: J.R. Smith, 1870)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]  

Weavers Company, 1490

To all true Cristen people thies presentes lettres Reading, Hearing or Seeing: Thomas Clarensew, herald, and kyng of Armys of the Sowth partyes of this realm of Inglond otherwise callyd Thomas Holme, knight sende dew and humble recomendacyon and gretyng as it apperteyneth in Our Lord God everlastyng. For so moche as I understond ffor certeyn that every crafte and fraternyte within the kynges most Royall Cite of London called his Chamber, Compace, stody, devyse and Inmagyne with theyre besy curys and undelayd devoyres and delegencys and suche personys namely as be lynyally descendyd ffrom noble blode compellyd therunto by verry course of nature the most convenyent and most honowrable weyes and meanys to them possyble ffor to exalte and prefferre theyr Craftes and Fraternyteys to honeur and noble and to as excellent laude and Recomendacyon as by theyr mendys canne be thought or contryvyd to thentent that eny persone entryng or comyng into their Craftes and Fraternytes beryng of theyr sadde and laudable vertuoux and comendable disposiscyons and opynyons shuld Rather enforce and aplye themselfe effectuelly with all possyble delyngce towardes the maytenance and supportacyon and longe contenewaunce of the same to the laude and prersyng of God, thenour of the kyng our sovereynge lord of this his Realme and Cite aforsaid and of the sayd Crafte and fraternyte. Amonge whom, I, the sayd kyng of Armes note and Apoynte at this tyme specyally the good, sadde, worshypfull and well dessposyd persones, the Wardens of the full honorable Crafte and fraternyte of Wevars of the sayd Cite, that is to say Wyllyam Porlyngton and Rychard Smythe Citezens, Wevars and Wardens of the same Crafte for the tyme beyng with all the hole body of the same. I, the sayd kyng of armes, for the tendre zele and inward affeccyon that I bere toward the sayd Crafte and fraternyte, for the presservyng and encresse therof to honour and nobles have yeven and granted unto them the Armeys hereaffter Folowyng as in the mergene depykt more pleynly apperyth: that is to saye they bere asur uppon A chevron sylvere thre Roses goulys betwne thre leopardes heddys holding in their mowthys thre shetylles gold garneshed: the Crest upon the helme a leopardes hed holdyng in ys mouthe a shetyll gold garneshed sett withyne a wreth sylver and goulys: the mantyll azur furred with Ermeyn: which armys by thactoryte and poure of myn offyce annexed and attrybutyed, I, the sayd kyng have devysed and ordeyned to and for the said Crafte and fraternyte of Wevars to them that now be and to them that herafter shalbe and theyre successoures in synge and token of nobles, ffor evermore to have and to hold, occupy and Reioyce withoute any Inpedyment, Interupcion, lette or enpechement by vertue of my sayd graunte for evermore. In wytnesse wherof I, the sayd kyng of Armes to thies presentes synged with my hand have putte my selle of armes of auctoryte yovyn at London the iiij day of August in the vthe yere of our sovereygne lord, Kyng Herry the vijthe.

The London Weavers’ Company by Frances Consitt (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1933)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]  

Upholders Company, 1465

To all Gentilmen that this prefent Letters fhall fee or here, humble recommendacious by me William Hawkeflowe, otherwife called Clarenfeux, King of Armes of the South Marches of England and Servant of Armes: it is fo that many Perfons moved of Noble corage purpofing to exercife virtuous codicions and manners, by the habilitis of which condicions and Noble converfacions, with Goddes grace fhall come to perfection of grete honour and Worship: and one in efpecial entending to alle Gentilneffe, is come to me the faid Clarenfeux King of Armes, praying me to avife a conyfaunce of Armes for the Crafft and Felafhip of Upholders in the City of London, and att that Requeft I confidering the gode difpofition of the faid Craft and Felafhip, and alfo the grete honour and Worship that hereafter may fall to them: I have avifed, graunted, and given to them and to their Succeffours for evermore, Armes, that is to fey a Field Sable, three Spervers Ermin, a Lamb Silver, couchand upon a pillow of Gold: the which Armes I Clarenfeux aforefaid grante without empechement of eny Perfon. Witneffe of this Letter to the which I fet my Seal of Armes; and my Sign Manuel wreten att London the xj day of the Moneth of December, the yere of our Lord God, M. CCCC. LXV. and in the fifth yere of the reign of King Edward the Fourth. Clarenfeux King of Armes.

The Sphere of Gentry Deduced from the Principles of Nature, an Historical and Genealogical Work of Arms and Blazon by Sylvanus Morgan (London: William Leybourn, 1661)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]  

Tallow Chandlers Company, 1456

A tous presens et advenir qui ces presentes lettres verront ou orront Iehan Smert autrement dit Gartier Roy Darmes du Royaume Dangleterre salut. & toute humble recommendacion. En toutes regions royaumes & pays aeste de tous temps et encores est depresent notoirement use & acoustume que principalment et en chief les Citez bonnes & notables communaultez et consequement les compaignies et fraternitez des marchans artificiers & mestiers et chacune diceulx separeement et aparsoy ont enseignes en signe de nobles armes et de blazon separees les unes des autres pour mettre en leur seel dont ilz ont acoustume de user en leurs communs affaires et semblablement en bannieres estandars & pennons quilz portent en mettent avant en leurs notables festes et assemblees tant en sainte eglise pour venerer et decorer les lieux ou est fait & celebre le divin service et en leurs manoirs & lieux communs ou ilz tiennent leurs communicaccons & consaulx comme en ostz et chevauchees darmes quant le cas le requiert. Ores est vray que Iohn Priour Iohn Thirlow William Blakman & Richard Grenecroft Gardiens jurez et plusieurs autres notables hommes du mestier & de la compaignie des Chandeliers de Suyf en la Cite de Londres sont venuz par devers moy le dit Gartier pour et au nom de toute leur confraternite Disans que leur dit mestier est lun des membres dicelle Cite aiant Gardiens jurez & autres officiers auctorisez de faire constituer et mettre entre eulx regles & bonnes ordonnances sur le fait dicellui mestier toute separeement des autres. Pour laquele chose besoing leur est davoir en et pour icellui mestier ainsi que ont les autres compaignies & mestiers de la dite Cite leur armes enseignes et blason distingueement apareulx et separez des autres dont jusques a present nont eu aucune provision. requerans icelle avoir par moy ledit Roy Darmes tres affectueusement et a grant instance. Pourquoy moy considerant leur desir estre honneste & honnourable par vertu de lauctorite et pouvoir annexez et attribuez a mon dit office de Roy Darmes. Ay devise ordonne et assigne a la dite compaignie et confraternite des Chandeliers de Suyf en la dite Cite de Londres pour eulx et leurs successeurs conjointement a tousjours les enseignes armes et blason en la maniere qui sensuit. Cest assavoir ung escu de siz pointz dasur et dargent a trois coulombs de mesmes membrez de gules portans chacun en son bec ung ramceau dolive dor. Et le tymbre sur le heaulme ung Angel assis sur une nuee entretenant la teste de Saint Iehan Baptist en une plateyne dor les elles & garnissure de mesmes emmantele de gules double dermines sicomme la picture en la marge cy devant le demo...estre. En Tesmoing de ce je Gartier Roy Darmes dessusnomme ay signe de ma main et seelle de mon seel ces presentes. Fait et donne le xxiiij jour de Septembre Lan de Grace mil. cccc. cinquante six. J Garter

Heralds Commemorative Exhibition: 1484-1934 (London: Tabard Press, 1970)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]  

John Tadlow, 1478

To all trew Christian People these Present Letters hearing seeing or reading, I Thomas Clarentieulx King of Armes of all the Province of the South Parties of this Realme send due and humble recommendacons in our Lord God everlasting as it belongeth. For so much as many persons of their noble and gentle courage be moved and stirred to exercise good vertuous and commendable Mannors and noble condicons by the which, with Gods grace yee shall more attaine unto the perfection of great honor and noblenesse, of which persons one that is in especiall called John Tadlow and James his Brother the sonnes of William Tadlow of London gentleman, which hath tenderly prayed and required me the said King of Armes to make good and thorough search for the Armes of his predecessors, at whose instaunce I have soe donne with all goodlie diligence and have found that the right Armes of John Tadlow and James his brother the Sonnes of William Tadlow and his predecessors been Ermin, a frette per palle Azure and gules. The Creast upon the Heaulme a Dragons winge ermin, thereon a fret per palle azure and Gules sett within a wreath silver and Gules, the mantle Gules lined with Ermin, which Armes and creast I the said King testifieing the same ratifie and confirme unto the said John Tadlow and James his Brother and to their posteritie, he and they pleasures to their honour without anie impeachment interruption or lett of anie person or persons of the said Province for evermore. In Witness whereof I the said King of Armes to theis Presentes have sett the Seale of myne Armes of authoritie and signed the same with myne hand in the yere of our Lord God one thousand fower hundred three score and eighteen and of the Raigne of our Souvraigne Lord King Edward the fowrth the eighteenth yeare.

Harleian Society Publications Volumes 76-77: A Collection of Miscellaneous Grants by Willoughby A. Littledale (London: J. Whitehead & Son, 1925)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]  

William Swayne, 1461

To all gentlemen & women theise prsent letters hearing or seeing humble recommendacion by my Guyan King of Armes, hit is so that manye psons moved of noble Courage purposinge to excercyse & use vertuous manners & condicions by abillitye of wch psons foresayd Guyon Kinge of Armes, a discrete and notable man called William Swayne borne in the Countie of Somerset requyring & praying me to devyse A Sygne And a Cognisuance in fourme of armes for him & the issue of his boddie lawfully begotten to beare and use in war & peace for perpetuall memorie at the request of him concerninge the wooorshifull dispotion of his person & habilitie in all gentilnes. I have devised yeoven & graunted unto the said Wm A Signe & A Cognisance of Armes, thay is to saye, that hee bears Azure, A Chevron of golde between three brode arrowe heads of the same, A Chiefe gules with three maydens heads in there heare. The weh blazon I foresayd Gwyon Kinge of Armes witnesse: not then borne of any other pson whatsoever he bee wthin the Realme of England (otherwyse called the Ile of Great Brittaigne) The whiche signe and armes to have use & hold unto the said Wm Swayne & to the issue & procreation of his boddy lawfullie begotten in all Woorship and genliness everlasting And them to beare and enjoye without clayme or empechment of any pson for evermore. Into witness of wch I have doo written theise prsentes Sealed wth the Seale of myne Armes & signed with my Signe manuell the xxixti daye of the moneth of January arye in the xxxixth yeere of the Reygne of our Soveraigne lorde King Henrie the vith after the Conquest of England: p Gyan King of Armes

Harleian Society Publications Volumes 76-77: A Collection of Miscellaneous Grants by Willoughby A. Littledale (London: J. Whitehead & Son, 1925)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]  

John Picton, 1486

To all true xpen people these prsent tres reeding heering or seeing: I Thomas Clarenceu principall herauld and King of Arms of all the south partes of this Realme of England sende due and humble recommendacons and greetings as it belongeth in our Lord God euerlasting fforasmuch as many persons of their noble & gentle courage, be moued & stirred to exercise good virtues and Comendable maners and noble condicions, by which with gods grace they shall nowe atteigne vnto the perfection of great honor & noblenes of which persons, one there is in especiall called John Picton, borne of the county of Chester gent. whose Ancestors were most in habit in the same county, by whom I the said King of Armes, haue been tenderly prayed & required to make throw serch for the uery Armes of his predecessors, at whose instance I haue soe done, with all goodly diligence, and haue founde that the right Armes of the said John Picton, and his Predecessors bee theise that is to saye: Hee beareth sable a Lyon golde enarmed gules the field gowty of the same Lyon, the creast upon the healme halfe a Lyon gules enarmed golde, sett within a wreath gules & azure, the mantles sable gowty gold furred with ermyn as more plainly appeareth here in the margin depict. which Armes and Creast I the said King testifying the same, ratyfie and confirme vnto the said John and his posterity, he and they to haue occupy and enioye the same Armes and Crest, vowably in likewise as their pdecessors haue done herefore, and therein to bee reuested at their pleasures, to their honor without any empechment, interruption, or lett of any person or persons of the said prouince for euermore. In witness whereof, I the said King of Armes to these psents haue put to the seale of myne Armes of Authority, and signed the same with myne hand the yeere of our Lord God mcccclxxxvi and our souereigne Lord Henry 7 the first yere: Clarencew King of Armes

Harleian Society Publications Volumes 76-77: A Collection of Miscellaneous Grants by Willoughby A. Littledale (London: J. Whitehead & Son, 1925)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]  

Parish Clerks Company, 1482

To all true Xrien people thies presentes tres reding hering or seeing I Thomas Clarenceu Knight & King of Arms of the South parties of this Realme of England sende due & humble Recomendacon & greting as it appteigneth in our lord god eulasting: Whereas Walter Bellenger otherwise called Ireland King of Armes of the Land of Ireland had yeuen & graunted by his tres under his signe & seel of his Office unto Symon Mayew & Henry Empson Maisters for the time being of the Confraternitie founded in the Chapell of the Guyldhall within the Citie of London in the honeur of our lord god, our blessed Lady Marie the Virgin his modre & of Seint Nicholas the Armes heraftre following having noon auctoritie by virtue of his said office eny such or other Armes to distribute or yeue to eny psonne or psonnes ffraternitie or place within the precinte of my Jurisdiction, that is to say within the said South pties of Antiquitie lymited & adnulled & dampned the same and wol yat it be frustrate & void & of noon effect. And at thinstaunce Request & desire of the said Maisters I the said King of Armes by the power & auctoritie to myn office in this ptie annexed & attributed, seing & considering their good & laudable disposicions set & grounded upon honeur & nobles, have yeuven & graunted unto them & their Successors the same Armes so to them before yeuven & graunted unto them & their Successors the same Armes so to them before yeuven & graunted as above, That is to say A sheld asur a chefe goules a flour de lice gold in the chefe the hede of a Leoparde of the same tonged goules two halywatr Sprencles of gold & silver ensautur upon all. The Creste upon ye helme sex halywater sprencles newed wt gold & silvr, the mantell asur & goules furred wt Ermyn, as in the picture her in the mergyn more plenly it doth appere. To have & hold the same Armes to John Delhm Robert Vernon now Maisters & to their Successours Maisters of the said Confraternitie & ffelasship, them to enjoy & vse at their pleasurs to their honeur peasibly without chalenge or interupcion for eumore In Witness whereof I Clarenceu the said King of Armes of the said pties of the South have signed thies psent 3 wt myn owne hand and the same have sealed wt my seel of auctoritie At London the xvith day of July the xxii yere of the Reigne of our souvereigne Lord King Edward the fourth: Clarenceu King of Armes

Heralds Commemorative Exhibition: 1484-1934 (London: Tabard Press, 1970)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]  

Thomas Northland, 1482

To alle trewe Cristen people these present tres Redinge hering or seeing Thomas Clarensew Principall Heraulde and kyng of Armes of the Southe parties of this Realme of Ingland send due and humble recomendacon and greting as it apparteyneth in oure Lord god everlasting Equite wol and Reason ordeyneth that vertuouse men and of noble courage be by there merites Renounned and Rewarded And not oonly in theire psones in this mortall liffe so breef and transitory but also in theire good name and fame to be of noble memory after theire departing out of liffe and to be in euery place of honour before other persones euermore Reuerenced and Recomendid for shewing of certaine signes and tokenes of honour and gentilnes to thentent that by theire ensample other psones may the sonner and the more enforce and and applye theyme theymeself to dispend theire lyves in honourable worke and vertuous dede for to purchace and gete therby the Renome of Auncyen gentilnesse in theire ligne and posterite for euermore And therfore I the said King of Armes not oonly by comon Renome but also by myne owne knowlache and the report of manny other credeble and noble persones am vervily ascertayned that Thomas Northland of the countie of Sussex gentilman hath long contynued in vertu And in alle his Actes and demeanyng hath weel sadly and honourably guided and gouerned hymself se that he hath desrued and is right worthy he and his posterite to be in alle place of worship admitted Renomed accompted nombred accepted and Receyued in to the nombre and of the company of other Auncion gentill and noble men ppetually frome hensforth And for remembrannce and consideracion of the same his gentilnes vertu and habilite by the Auctorite and power to myn office Annexed and Attributed I the said King of Armes have devised ordeigned unto and for the same Thoms Northland for hym and his posterite the Armys herafter folowying That is to say he bereth Siluer betwene iij lyonseux vpon a Cheveron Sable iij besaunte The creast vpon the helme half a lyon sable sett withynne a wrethe goold and gowlis The mantel Sable furved with hermyn As more playnly it appeareth in the mergen depicte. To haue and to hold the same Armes to the same Thomas Northland and his Posterite theyme to vse and therinne to be revested at theire pleasure to theire hono peasebly and without challenge or interuption foreumore In wittenesse wherof I the said King of Armes haue signed these psente with myn owne hande and sealed the same with my Seall of Auctorite at London the x Day of Nouembr the xxii yere of the Regne of King Edward the iiijth. Clarenceux Roy Darmes

Grant of Arms to Thomas Northland by Frederick Arthur Crisp in Fragmenta Genealogica Volume 10 (London, 1904)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]  

Edmond Mille, 1450

To all present and to come who these letters shall see or hear, John Smert alias Garter King of Arms in the Realm of England, greeting and all humble commendations. Equity will and reason ordains that men, virtuous and of noble courage, be for their merits by renown rewarded, and not only their persons in this mortal life, so brief and transitory, but after them, those issuing from and being begotten by their bodies be in all places of great honour for ever before others distinguished by certain signs and tokens of honour and gentility, that is to say by blazon, helm and crest, so that by their example more shall be persuaded to use their days in feats of arsm and other virtuous works to acquire the renown of ancient gentility in their line and posterity. Wherefore I, Garter King of Arms aforesaid, who, not only by common renown but also by the report and testimony of others, noble men worthy of faith am well & truly advertised and informed that Edmond Mylle has for long pursued feats of arms & as well in this as in other matters has carried himself valiantly, and honourably governed himself so that he has well deserved & is worthy that henceforth for ever he and his posterity be in all places honourably admitted, received, acknowledged, counted and renowned among the number and of the company of other ancient gentle and noble men. And for the remembrance of this his gentility, I have devised ordained and assigned to the said Edmond Mille, for him and his heirs the blazon, helm and crest in the manner following, that is to say: a shield of six points, sable and argent, three bears rampant of the same, muzzled and enchained or, the chains thrown around them. And the crest on the helm, a demi bear, sable, likewise muzzled and chained or, as aforesaid, seated on a wreath or & gules, mantelled of the same, lined ermine, as the picture, &c., in the margin before this demonstrates, To have, hold and use and posssess for him and his said heirs for ever. In testimony whereof I, Garter King of Arms above-named, have signed with my hand and sealed with my seal these presents. Made and given the twelfth day of August, in the year of grace 1450.

Harleian Society Publications Volumes 76-77: A Collection of Miscellaneous Grants by Willoughby A. Littledale (London: J. Whitehead & Son, 1925)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]  

Merchant Taylors Company, 1481

To all true Christian people these present letters reading, hearing, or seeing, I, Thomas Clarenceux, Principal Herald and King of Arms of the south parts of this Realm of England, send due and humble recommendacion and greeting in Our Lord God everlasting. For so much as I understand for certain that every craft within this the King�s most royal City of London, called his Chamber, study, devise, and imagine in it with all their busy cares and diligences, and specially such persons as be lineally descended from gentle and noble blood (by very course of nature thereunto compelled), the most honourable, excellent, laudable, virtuous, and convenient ways and means to them possible for the exaltation of the same City, and preferment of their fraternities to nobles, and to as excellent renown, land, and recommendation as by them can be goodly devised to the intent that every person entering into the same crafts and fraternities, hearing of their laudable and virtuous opinions, should enforce and apply themselves with all possible diligence by policy, wisdom, and sadness towards the maintenance, supportation, and long continuance of the same to the honour, laud, and praising of God, the King our Sovereign Lord, this his said Realm, and the said Noble City and the same crafts and fraternities. Amongst whom I, the said King of Arms, remember and note specially at this time the laudable and right honourable craft of Taylors and Linge Armourers of the Fraternity of St. John Baptist, within this said noble City, and the good and commendable, virtuous, discreet, and honourable persons Robert Duplege, Master, Ewen Boughton, John Warner, James Shirwode, and John Potman, Wardens of the same noble craft for the time being, and all their whole fraternity of Taylors and Linge Armourers within the said City, which craft hath continued without reproach in honour and noblesse out of time of mind. To whom, therefore, at their special instance by the authority and power imperial to my said office annexed and attributed, I have devised, ordained, and granted, and by these presents devise, ordain, and grant to the said Master, Warden, and Brethren, of the said noble craft and fraternity for them and their successors in sign and token of noblesse, the shield, helm, and timbre hereafter following, that is to say, silver, a pavilion between two mantles imperial, purple, garnished with gold in a chief azure, an holy lamb set within a sun; the crest upon the helm a pavilion, purple, garnished with gold, being within the same our Blessed Lady St. Mary the Virgin in a vesture of gold sitting upon a cushion azure, Christ, her son, standing naked before her, holding between his hands hands a vesture called tunica inconsutilis, his said mother working upon that, one end of the same vesture set within a wreath gold and azure, the mantle purple, furred with ermine as in the margin hereof, more plainly it appeareth depicted in the same. To have and to hold, use, occupy, and rejoice the same arms peaceably and vowably at their pleasures to the said Master, Wardens, and whole Fraternity of Taylors and Linge Armourers within the said noble City of London, and their successors, without impeachment, interruption, impediment or let, of any person or persons, whatsomever he or they be, by virtue of this my grant for evermore. In witness whereof I the said King of Arms to these presents signed with my hand, have put my seal of authority. Given at London the 23rd day of October, in the 21st year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King Edward the Fourth.

Memorials of the Guild of Merchant Taylors by Charles Mathew Clode (London: Harrison, 1875)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]  

Masons Company, 1472/3

To alle Nobles and gentilles theise present Lres heryng or seyng William Hawkeslowe othir Wise called Clarenseux Kyng of Armes of the Sowthe marches of Englond sendeth humble and due Recomendacion as apperteyneth for soo moche as the Hole Crafte and felawship of masons corogeowsly meoved to excercise and vse gentill and comendable guydyng in such laudable maner and fourme as may best sounde vnto gentrice by the Whiche they shal mowe wt goddis grace to atteigne vnto honoure & worship haue desired and praide me the saide Kyng of Armes that I by the powre & auctorite by the Kyngs goode grace to me in that behalue comytted shuld devyse A Conysaunce of Armes for the saide Crafte and felawship which they and theire successours myght boldly & vowably occupie chalenge and enjoie for evermore wt oute eny preiudice or rebuke of eny estate or gentill of this Reame At the instaunce and request of whome I the saide Kyng of Armes takyng respecte and consideracion vnto the goodly entent & disposicion of the saide Crafte and felawship haue devysed for them & theire syccessours thise Armes folowing that is the sey A feld of Sablys A Chevron silver grailed thre Castellis of the same garnysshed wt dores and wyndows of the feld in the Chevron a Cumpas of Blak whiche Armes I of my saide powre and auctorite haue appoynted yevyn and graunten to and for the saide Crafte and felawship and theire successours and by theise my present lres appoynte yeve and graunte vnto them the same To haue chalenge occupie and enjoie wt oute eny preiudice or empechement for euermore In witnesse wherof I the saide Kyng of Armes to theise presents haue sette my seale of Armes with my signe Manuell Gevyn at london the yere of the Reigne of Kyng Edward the fourthe aftir the Conquest the rijth Clarenssevx Kyng of armes

The History and Antiquities of the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers by William Henry Black (London: E.J. Francis, 1871)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]  

Leathersellers Company, 1479

To all true Christian people this Letters readinge hearinge or seinge, I, John Moore alias Norrey, Kinge of Armes, and principall Herault of the Northe partes of this Realme of England, send due and humble commendacion and greetinge (as it apperteineth) in or Lord God everlastinge. Trowth it is that the Mr and Wardens of the Craft of Leathersellers, of this Cittie of London, hath bene wth me, and required me, in so much as I had wedded a wife of the same Companie, to testifie and affirme the Armes of the same Crafte; and at the instance and request of them so doe. Certifyinge that they beare silver three Roe buckes passant gules, lookinge backwardes, armed sables; mooreplaine, the hornes and cleyes black. The Creast, the forepart of a Roe buck from the middle upwardes, shewinge the forefeet, standinge in a wreath silver and gules, the Mantell gules and ermyn. To have and to hould for evermore to their honnor. In witness hereof I seale this present letter with the seale of myne Armes, and signed wth my signe manuell.Written in London, the xxth day of May, the xixth yere of Edw. ye iiijth. Norrey King of Armes

The History and Antiquities of the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers by William Henry Black (London: E.J. Francis, 1871)

[Source: Fifteenth Century Patents of Arms]