In person lecture: Heraldry and the Heralds

[kestrell]

This is another American Ancestors lecture, but this one is in person.

October 12, 2022
American Ancestors Research Center, 99-101 Newbury Street, Boston, MA
Cost: $15
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET
Presented by Peter O'Donoghue, York Herald
Sponsored by the Committee on Heraldry of the New England Historic Genealogical Society

Peter O'Donoghue has worked as an Officer of Arms at Her Majesty's College of Arms in London for 17 years, and currently serves as York Herald. He has an explore the history of heraldry and the heralds, from their beginnings in the twelfth century, to the present day. He will discuss how heraldry began and how it has evolved; and how the work of the heralds in England and Wales has developed and changed over the centuries. Reception to follow.
Register here
https://my.americanancestors.org/1879/2142

Comments

[cvirtue]

That looks interesting!

The heralds were in the huge funereal procession yesterday, at least 15 of them, all in the blocky tabards with so much gold embroidery that the day should have counted as several days gym workouts.

[kestrell]

I've been wondering why people would spend so much time watching the funereal pomp, but I guess, from a costumer's perspective, it really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So to speak.

[cvirtue]

I was interested in the logistics, and things like that, including the costumes… well, mostly the hats.

[kestrell]

It's true, the royals *do* love their hats: has anyone been reporting on the hats?

[cvirtue]

No!

There was a distinct lack of "let's look at all the diplomatic guests" and so on. *Flounce* *Aggravated sigh*

So I looked at the uniform hats, of which there were many. And this one blingy hat on a purple cushion on top of a flag which was on top of a box, on top of a carriage pulled by about a hundred very fit sailors, all dressed alike. With hats.

[kestrell]

I'm a little confused: did some military leader send his hat with a contingent of sailors? Not that I don't think that isn't completely acceptable in this situation, or really, any situation, especially if you have a very blingy impressive hat. But perhaps I have been overly influenced by Girl Genius. Which I really need to catch up on, now that I think of it. And this world really does need more hats.

[cvirtue]

Sorry: I was being too arch.

The hat I was speaking of was the Queen’s crown, on top of her coffin, along with the holy hand grenade, I mean, the Orb, and the scepter.

[kestrell]

Well, I think I'm a little disappointed: I really liked the idea of an exotic foreign country where a leader would send her/his most highly decorated hat with a contingent of hot sailors in uniform as a sign of respect. And people count their wealth in hats. And instead of bloodbrothers, lifelong friends exchange hats as a sign of eternal friendship.

[cvirtue]

I think you and I both read too many Dr Seuss books as kids.

I went to his house/museum in Springfield. He had a big rack of fun hats.

I now have a big rack of fun hats.

Plus crowns.

[kestrell]

I actually never liked Dr. Seuss. But I do have a lot of hats, including a top hat, a fancy witch hat with veiling and velvet roses, a wide-brimmed garden party hat, a black and silver velvet jester's cap and bells, and a grey straw trilby. Oh, and a couple of berets, including one that a friend brought back for me from Paris.