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
The National Firefighters Memorial
0.1 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
Queen Anne Statue
0.2 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
Temple Bar London
0.2 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Ludgate Circus
0.4 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
Victoria Embankment
0.4 km
A historic riverside promenade in London blending Victorian engineering, scenic gardens, iconic monuments, and stunning Thames views.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.5 km
Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Blackfriars Bridge
0.5 km
Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
Southwark Bridge
0.5 km
A graceful steel-arched Thames crossing with a rich history, distinctive green-and-yellow detailing, and a key role in London’s illuminated river landscape.
Historic England
0.6 km
Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
London Stone (remaining part)
0.6 km
Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.7 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
Guildhall
0.7 km
Discover Guildhall, London’s medieval civic heart where Roman ruins, grand halls, and centuries of history converge in the City’s vibrant core.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.7 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
113 Cannon St
0.7 km
A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
Fleet St
0.7 km
Discover Fleet Street, London's iconic thoroughfare, where history, law, and journalism intertwine in a vibrant urban landscape.
Unmissable attractions to see
Queen Victoria St
0.1 km
A historic and vital City of London street linking iconic landmarks with Victorian-era urban vision and modern financial life.
St. Paul's Cathedral
0.2 km
Explore the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of St. Paul's Cathedral, a must-visit landmark in the heart of London, offering stunning views and rich history.
Church Entry
0.3 km
Discover Church Entry, a narrow medieval alley in Blackfriars tracing the ancient Blackfriars Priory’s sacred church line beneath modern London.
Stationers' Hall
0.3 km
Historic Grade I listed venue near St Paul’s Cathedral offering elegant event spaces and a secluded garden for weddings and corporate events.
One New Change
0.3 km
Discover premier shopping, dining, and stunning rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral in the heart of London's financial district.
St Martin Ludgate
0.3 km
Discover St Martin Ludgate, a serene Wren church blending Roman history and 17th-century elegance in the heart of London’s ancient city.
Millennium Bridge
0.3 km
Explore the Millennium Bridge, a modern architectural gem in London, linking iconic landmarks with stunning river views and cultural experiences.
Apothecaries' Hall
0.3 km
Historic 17th-century livery hall near St Paul’s, blending rich heritage with elegant event spaces and timeless charm.
Watling St
0.3 km
Follow the ancient Roman road that shaped London’s history, once a frontier, battlefield approach, and boundary between kingdoms and boroughs.
The Blackfriar
0.3 km
A Grade II* listed Art Nouveau pub on the site of a medieval Dominican friary, packed with friar-themed carvings, mosaics, and stained glass in the heart of London.
St Vedast alias Foster
0.3 km
A historic City of London church blending medieval roots, Wren’s baroque spire, and wartime resilience in a tranquil urban sanctuary.
Shakespeare in the City Walk
0.4 km
Discover Shakespeare’s London through hidden alleys, historic sites, and live performances on this immersive two-hour walking tour starting at Blackfriars Station.
St James Garlickhythe
0.4 km
Discover the historical significance and architectural beauty of St James Garlickhythe, a serene Anglican church in the heart of London.
St Mary Aldermary
0.4 km
Discover St Mary Aldermary, a rare 17th-century Gothic Revival church by Wren’s office, blending medieval roots with stunning architecture in London’s City.
St Mary-le-Bow Church
0.4 km
Discover St Mary-le-Bow, the iconic Wren church on Cheapside, home to the legendary Bow Bells and centuries of London history.
Essential places to dine
Madison
0.3 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Sea Containers Restaurant
0.7 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.9 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
St. John
0.9 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.1 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
George
1.1 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.1 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
14 Hills
1.2 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Wahaca Southbank
1.3 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.3 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Southbank Centre Food Market
1.4 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
The Archduke
1.4 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Ping Pong Southbank
1.5 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
La Dame de Pic London
1.5 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Sarastro
1.5 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bankside Arches Boutique
0.5 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
0.8 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
0.8 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
The Royal Exchange
0.8 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Smithfield Market
0.8 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
j-me original design ltd
0.8 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Borough Yards
0.9 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Sugar And Style
0.9 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Barbican Shop
0.9 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Twinings - The Strand
1.0 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
London Silver Vaults
1.1 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
The Store X
1.1 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Hay's Galleria
1.3 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.3 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
not just a shop
1.4 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Parrot
0.5 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
0.6 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Lyaness
0.7 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Old Bank of England
0.9 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.9 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
0.9 km
Discover Ye Olde Mitre, a hidden Tudor-era pub in Holborn where history, legend, and cozy charm converge in a secret London alley.
Demon, Wise & Partners
0.9 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Bootlegger
1.1 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club
1.1 km
London’s intimate chocolate cocktail bar blending rich flavors, stylish ambiance, and over 20 unique chocolate-infused drinks.
The Understudy
1.1 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
1.3 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.4 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Aviary
1.4 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
1.4 km
Seasonal cocktails and classics from a cozy mobile bar at Southbank Centre Food Market, where Thames breezes mingle with market buzz and craft libations.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.6 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
London Best Night Clubs
1.2 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Proud Late
1.4 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
1.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Ministry of Sound
1.6 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Cirque Du Soul
1.6 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.6 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
1.6 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.7 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
XOYO LONDON
1.7 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Heaven
1.8 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
1.9 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.9 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Roxy
1.9 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
The Hoxton Pony
2.0 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Romantic
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Architectural Shots
- Photo Spots
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
