COLLEGE of Heralds, commonly called the Herald's Office, a corporation founded by charter of King Richard III. who granted them several privileges, such as freedom 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, and the members 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.