You’ve probably seen them in movies: men in colorful coats, blowing trumpets, announcing royalty. But real heralds? They didn’t play trumpets. They weren’t town criers either (well, not exactly).
Heralds were the original record-keepers, rule-enforcers, and, let’s be honest, the geeks for coats of arms. And for a while, they were the people you had to impress if you wanted to be called a gentleman.
What Is a Herald?
The word “herald” comes from two basic ideas:
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Someone who delivers important news
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A sign that something big is about to happen
In medieval Europe, both definitions applied. Heralds showed up before tournaments, before battles, and before royal announcements. Think of them as the original “breaking news” team, but dressed in tabards (medieval loose coats).
Heralds in the Age of Knights and Tournaments
Back in the 12th and 13th centuries, heralds were kind of like event organizers for knights. They followed the tournament circuit, keeping track of scores and helping identify who was who on the chaotic battlefield.
They weren’t fancy royal officials (yet). They were actually grouped with musical entertainers! You know, the kind who would strum a lute and sing tales of bravery. Heralds were just... the niche kind of minstrels. Period romances even joked about them: “Get a real job!”
The Rise of Coats of Arms
As helmets became bulkier and blocked their faces, knights began painting symbols on their shields and clothing. This helped them tell each other apart. These unique symbols became known as coats of arms.
That’s where heralds stepped in.
Since they were already at the tournaments, they became experts in identifying these symbols. They began recording who used which design, creating reference books for heraldry. These were early catalogs of coats of arms. Basically like medieval yearbooks, but for knights.
And because no one wanted to accidentally copy the King of England’s arms (yikes), knights began asking heralds for advice before designing their own. That made heralds the unofficial (later, official) gatekeepers of heraldry.
So, What Did Heralds Actually Do All Day?
You might imagine trumpet-blowing. But no, that’s a myth. Heralds didn’t play instruments at all. (Sorry, Disney.)
Here’s what real heralds did:
1. Travel and Deliver Messages
When a lord wanted to hold a tournament, he sent his herald out to announce the challenge. Heralds traveled across kingdoms, even across Europe, to invite worthy opponents.
2. Help in Battles
During wars, heralds accompanied royalty and nobles to help identify enemy banners and negotiate with opposing sides. In Shakespeare’s Henry V, heralds parley on the battlefield because they are trusted, neutral figures.
3. Wear the Royal Arms
Heralds donned the royal tabard (an overcoat with the king’s arms) and were considered a symbol of the crown. Being a herald is such a prestigious role that harming one would be considered treason.
4. Announce Titles and Achievements
During tournaments, a herald would shout out a knight’s full list of titles, victories, and often a brag or two. ("Behold, Sir Something of Somewhere, slayer of five and undefeated in battle!")
Herald Ranks: From Sideways Tabards to Royal Coronets
As their job got more serious, heralds became organized. By the 14th century, there were three ranks:
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King of Arms – Top-ranking, usually assigned to a kingdom or region. Bonus perk? They get to wear coronets (a type of crown for peers of the royal members) but only at royal coronations.
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Herald of Arms – Middle rank. Experienced but not in charge.
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Pursuivant of Arms – The newbies who had to wear their tabards sideways (yes, sleeves in the front and back) until they got promoted.
Visitations: When Heralds Came Knocking
In the 1500s, heralds started doing visitations. Picture this: they’d arrive in a county, set up shop at a local inn, and summon all the locals who claimed to have coats of arms.
If you could prove your family was of gentle birth, great! You were recorded and officially recognized. If not? You had to sign a document saying you were “no gentleman” and give up your claim. Ouch.
This was serious business in a time when class was everything.
Heralds and Genealogy
More people wanted to prove they were noble enough to bear arms. And this meant tracing family trees and documenting lineages. Heralds stepped up, becoming experts in genealogy by drawing pedigrees, which is why family heraldic researchers still rely on their records to track family lineage and find your family crest!
Heralds and Ceremonial Duties
Heralds didn’t plan weddings, but they did arrange funerals, especially for nobles. They handled all the heraldic displays: banners, swords, shields, spurs, crests… the whole theatrical package.
They also helped organize coronations and state funerals (and still do). You’ll often spot them at royal ceremonies wearing those bold, embroidered tabards.
The Surprising Modern Role of Heralds Today
At first, heralds worked for noble families. But by the 13th century, some became part of the royal household. By 1420, the Royal Heralds had a common seal and functioned a bit like a corporation. (Yes, medieval LLCs were a thing.)
Fast-forward to today, and heralds still exist!
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In the UK, Ireland, Canada, and South Africa, heralds continue their work.
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The College of Arms in England employs full-time heralds called Heralds of Arms in Ordinary.
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There are also Heralds of Arms Extraordinary who get appointed for major events like coronations.
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In Scotland, clan chiefs can appoint their own private heralds to help with genealogy and disputes.
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Even Canada has a special honor: the Herald of Arms Emeritus, given to respected experts in the field.
Why This Matters Today
Heralds were keepers of identity. They recorded who people were, where they came from, and what they stood for. In a world without databases, that was no small feat.
Their work back then is what makes it possible for you to find your family crest today!
Image Credits:
Coats of Arms of cities from the 'Wapenboek' via Wikimedia Commons, source
English herald approaching Scottish soldiers via Wikimedia Commons, source
English and Scottish heralds, wearing tabards, in procession during the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla via Wikimedia Commons, source
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Heralds from the 14th–17th century via Wikimedia Commons, source
