HERALD, says Verstegan, is derived from the Saxon word Herebault, and, by abbreviation, Herald, which in that language signifies the champion of an army; and, growing to be a name of office, it was given to him who, in the army, had the special charge to denounce war, to challenge to battle and combat, to proclaim peace, and to execute martial messages. But the business of heralds with us is as follows, viz. To marshal, order, and conduct all royal cavacades, ceremonies at coronations, royal marriages, installations, creations of dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts, barons, baronets, and dubbing of knights; embassies, funeral processions, declarations of war, proclamations of peace, &c. To record and blazon the arms of the nobility and gentry; and to regulate any abuses therein thro' the English dominions, under the authority of the Earl-Marshall, to whom they are subservient. The office of Windsor, Chester, Richmond, Somerset, York, and Lancaster heralds, is to be assistants to the kings at arms, in the different branches of their office; and they are superior to each other, according to creation, in the above order.
Heralds were formerly held in much greater esteem than they are at present; and were created and christened by the king, who, pouring a cold-cup of wine on their head, gave them the herald-name: but this is now done by the earl-marshall. They could not arrive at the dignity of herald without having been seven years pursuivant; nor could they quit the office of herald, but to be made king at arms.
The office and dignity of a herald was first instituted by Ancus Martius, fourth king of the Romans, as Livy declares; but some writers ascribe its origin to Numa Pompilius, and that he ordained a college of heralds. Richard III. was the first who formed them, in this kingdom, into a college; and afterwards great privileges were granted them by Edward VI. and Philip and Mary.