College of Arms
England's official heraldic authority preserving five centuries of coats of arms, genealogy, and ceremonial tradition.
The College of Arms is England's official heraldic authority, housed in a distinguished 17th-century building near St. Paul's Cathedral in the City of London. Founded by royal charter in 1484, this working institution maintains centuries of genealogical records and continues to grant coats of arms, advise on ceremonial protocol, and preserve England's heraldic heritage. Visitors can explore the panelled Earl Marshal's Court, view historic manuscripts, and learn about the heralds who serve the Crown.
A brief summary to College of Arms
- 130 Queen Victoria St, London, EC4V 4BT, GB
- +442072482762
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrange a group evening tour in advance by contacting the Officer in Waiting; tours accommodate up to twenty people and include refreshments by arrangement, with access to customised selections from the manuscript archive.
- Allow 45 minutes to one hour for a self-guided visit; the public display room is modest but rich with heraldic portraits and historical information, best appreciated with attentive observation.
- Visit during Open House London festival (typically September) for guided tours led by heralds through the Earl Marshal's Court, Waiting Room, and Record Room—a rare opportunity to access normally restricted spaces.
- Combine your visit with nearby St. Paul's Cathedral and the surrounding City of London heritage sites; the College sits immediately adjacent to the cathedral, making efficient route planning possible.
- Check the official website for closure dates related to state occasions and bank holidays; the College closes on these ceremonial days when heralds are engaged in official duties.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Circle, District, or Metropolitan Line to St. Paul's station. Exit and follow signs toward St. Paul's Cathedral; the College of Arms is located immediately adjacent to the cathedral on Queen Victoria Street, approximately 2–3 minutes' walk from the station. Service runs every 3–5 minutes during peak hours, every 5–10 minutes off-peak. Single fare approximately £1.75–£3.00 depending on zones.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area surrounding St. Paul's Cathedral, including routes 4, 8, 15, 23, 25, 42, 56, 133, and 501. Alight at stops near St. Paul's Cathedral or Queen Victoria Street; the College is a short walk from any of these stops. Buses run frequently throughout the day. Single fare £1.75 with contactless payment.
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Walking from City of London Landmarks
From Bank station (approximately 400 metres, 5–7 minutes' walk): head west on Cheapside, then south onto Queen Victoria Street. From Tower of London (approximately 600 metres, 8–10 minutes' walk): head west along the Thames Path or through the City streets toward St. Paul's Cathedral, then locate the College adjacent to the cathedral. Terrain is flat urban pavement throughout.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) can be hailed throughout central London. Journey time from major stations (King's Cross, Liverpool Street, Victoria) typically 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Fares vary; expect £8–£20 from nearby stations. Limited on-street parking exists; paid parking facilities are available nearby but not directly at the College.
College of Arms location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about College of Arms
Five Centuries of Heraldic Authority
The College of Arms stands as the sole official heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and much of the Commonwealth. Founded by royal charter in 1484 under King Richard III, it represents an unbroken institutional lineage spanning over 540 years. The heralds who comprise the College—thirteen officers appointed directly by the Sovereign, including three Kings of Arms, six Heralds of Arms, and four Pursuivants of Arms—remain members of the Royal Household, subject to the supervision of the Earl Marshal, a hereditary office held by the Duke of Norfolk. This unique status makes the College one of the few official heraldic courts remaining in Europe and the world.Architecture Shaped by Fire and Restoration
The present building, erected between 1671 and 1678 on the site of its predecessor, represents a triumph of preservation and rebuilding. The original structure, Derby Place, occupied the location since 1555 when Queen Mary I granted the heralds their charter and the site itself. That building perished in the Great Fire of London in 1666, yet the heralds managed to save their invaluable manuscripts by transporting them by boat to Westminster. Designed by Maurice Emmett, Master Bricklayer in the Office of Works, the current mansion showcases fine brickwork and period craftsmanship. The building's most celebrated interior space is the panelled Earl Marshal's Court, a room of considerable grandeur that has witnessed centuries of heraldic proceedings and ceremonial functions.Living Records and Genealogical Treasures
Within the College's walls lies one of the world's most comprehensive collections of heraldic and genealogical documentation. The institution maintains official registers of coats of arms, pedigrees, genealogies, royal licences, changes of name, and flags—records that stretch back to the College's foundation. The Record Room houses illuminated manuscripts, heraldic drawings, and genealogical scrolls that document the armorial bearings of families, institutions, and nations. These archives represent not merely administrative records but living history, including documentation of coronations, state funerals, and the ceremonial life of the realm. Visitors may view selections from this superb collection, customised to their interests, offering glimpses into centuries of English genealogy and heraldic artistry.Heraldic Artistry and Contemporary Practice
The College maintains an ancient English tradition of manuscript writing and illumination traceable to monastic scriptoria of the Dark Ages. Under the supervision of the heralds, College artists continue to produce heraldic artwork of exceptional quality, including fine paintings on vellum, coloured working drawings for craftsmen, painted wooden shields, and black-and-white line drawings for engravers. The studios also create illuminated addresses, royal charters, certificates, commissions, and patents. In recent decades, the College has expanded its offerings to include digital vector graphics produced at any scale. The institution remains responsible for granting new coats of arms to those who qualify, a function it has performed continuously since its charter, and it advises central and local government, corporate bodies, and private individuals on all aspects of heraldry and ceremonial protocol.Ceremonial Guardians of State Occasions
Beyond their archival and administrative functions, the heralds serve as guardians of Britain's most solemn ceremonies. The Garter King of Arms proclaims royal accessions, most recently that of King Charles III in 2022. The College organises the annual Garter Service at Windsor Castle each June and oversees the State Opening of Parliament. The heralds determine the protocols and arrangements for state funerals, drawing upon their expert knowledge of genealogy and rank to orchestrate every detail. Though many ceremonial duties of heralds have diminished over centuries, those that remain are among the most ancient and splendid in the realm, connecting contemporary Britain to its medieval past through ritual and heraldic symbolism.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
College of Arms
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Romantic
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
- Historic
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
