A Retired Rector's Reflections

I was delighted to visit the College of Arms, in London, to receive my Letters Patent – a formal document confirming my coat of arms. I went with my dear school friend, Mike, who had previously introduced me to a former pupil of his, Dr Clive Cheeseman, who was at the time of introduction Richmond Herald. Clive carefully guided the process of the granting of my arms (see this previous post).

During the process of granting the arms and the preparation of the letters patent Clive was appointed Norry and Ulster King of Arms and it was as such that he warmly welcomed Mike and I to the college and gave me the letters patent, and showed us around the College and explained the process of the making of the letters patent. The College of Arms is a fascinating oasis in the City of London.

The letters are prepared on vellum, the artist paints the coats of arms on the document and an appointed ‘scrivener’ writes, in calligraphic script the formal grant. The signatures and official seals of Garter King of Arms andf Norroy and Ulster King of Arms are attached.

I was delighted that Rob, the husband of a friend, was the heraldic artist, and Tina, his wife, kept me up to date with his progress.

The vellum document is rolled carefully and stored in an appropriately designed box bearing the royal cipher.

I am delighted with the letters patent. The coat of arms are for me, and my family, a special teasure. The design draws together different aspects of my life and faith over my lifetime.

The process was involved and thorough, and involved significant expense. However, for this I used some of the money given to me by the Church of England in part compensation for their lack of care to me which brought about my very serious abuse by a member of the clergy. Consequently I see the granting of the arms as a positive part of a difficult healing process.

After I had received the letters patent Mike and I enjoyed a celebratory drink and meal at the lovely and quirky Seven Stars pub nearby. A fitting lunch after a special morning.