Foreword

FOREWORD

Kindly contributed by the Earl Marshal of England

The College of Arms is unique in several ways, but perhaps not least in the constant interaction and relationship between its past and its present. History is the stuff of its daily work and the building in which that work is done is a vital part of that history. It therefore gives me the greatest pleasure to introduce this authoritative account of the building and of the heralds who have worked in it and their predecessors.

In the sixty-seven years of its existence, the London Survey Committee has delightfully recorded many splendid buildings. The continuation of its main parochial series was handed over a few years ago to the London County Council, who are worthily completing it. This monograph is to be the last of the Committee's own volumes to be published. I should like to express to Mr Godfrey and his colleagues my especial pleasure that the College of Arms should have been chosen for this honour and the subscribers will be happy to know that the Officers of Arms have been able to give full assistance in the persons of Garter King of Arms and of the late lamented Norfolk Herald Extraordinary and also of Fitzalan Pursuivant Extraordinary, who has contributed the decorative finishing touch of the shields of arms.

NORFOLK