Church of England

[Charles Melebeck]

Hello,

I was asking myself how coats of arms were attributed to anglican clergymen? Is it a grant that depends on the College of Arms, only made to highly deserving persons, or is every member of the clergy allowed to choose the arms he wishes while recieving ordination?

Charles

[Chris Green]

Church of England clergymen have the same access to the services of the College of Arms as anyone else within its jurisdiction. Becoming an ordained priest in the CofE doesn't provide any additional heraldic privilege. Diocesan Bishops, who are of course entitled to marshal their arms with those of their See, might well be encouraged by the College to seek a grant.

Until the end of the Victorian era it was common for the third or fourth son of a lord or a gentlemen of substantial means to enter the CofE and become the rector of a parish whose advowson was held by his father. Such a rector would of course be entitled to bear his father's arms with the appropriate mark of cadency. It occasionally happened that this younger son, through the early deaths of his brothers succeeded to the title. The 4th Earl of Bristol was one such. He was known as the Earl-Bishop, though this was not an official title.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_ ... of_Bristol

[Charles Melebeck]

Thank you and sorry for my late answer! Well it seems to have worked the same way as in Roman catholic church!

Generaly speaking, which are the main condition to obtain a grant of arms by the College of Arms?

[Chris Green]

Here's a quote from the College web-site:

There are no fixed criteria of eligibility for a grant of arms, but such things as awards or honours from the Crown, civil or military commissions, university degrees, professional qualifications, public and charitable services, and eminence or good standing in national or local life, are taken into account. When approaching a herald with a view to petitioning for a grant of arms it is desirable to submit a curriculum vitae. ... As of 1 January 2014 the fees payable upon a personal grant of arms and crest are £5,250