COLLEGE of heralds, commonly called the heralds of- fice, a corporation founded by charter of king Richard III. who granted them several privileges, as to be free from subsidies, tolls, offices, &c. They had a second charter from king Henry VI.; and a house built near Doctors-commons, by the earl of Derby, in the reign of king Henry VII. was given them by the duke of Norfolk, in the reign of queen Mary, which house is now rebuilt.
This college is subordinate to the earl-marshal of England. They are assistants to him in his court of chivalry, usually held in the common hall of the college, where they sit in their rich coats of his majesty's arms. See HERALD.