When a Gracious Sovereign sees fit to reward an Englishman for his deeds or generosity he may knight him. The College of Arms (or Herald's College) looks through its worm-eaten records, trumps up a coat of arms for the new Lord. Its members* may even try to picture on his shield some connection with his name or works. If his name is Rokeby, his arms may bear the device of three rooks. If he has been an intrepid seafarer, his heraldry may suggest it with a ship.
Fortnight ago, for the first time in the history of British heraldry, a newspaper company,...
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