News from The College of Arms
The Order of the British Empire
11 April 2017
Two new British orders of chivalry were instituted 100 years ago this year, in June 1917: the Order of the British Empire, and the Order of the Companions of Honour. Until then, orders of chivalry were restricted both in terms of the number of awards which could be made, and…
Westminster: flag instructions
22 March 2017
As a mark of respect for those that have died and been injured in Westminster today 22 March 2017, the Prime Minister has asked that all Departments of Her Majesty's Government lower their Union Flag to half-mast from 8 p.m. this evening. Any other UK national flags flown alongside the…
King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand: Flag Instructions
13 October 2016
Learning with sadness of the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, special instructions have been received that all Union flags on the buildings of Her Majesty's Government should be lowered to half mast as soon as possible today (13 October 2016) until 2000 hours tomorrow (14 October).…
New £5 note
13 September 2016
The United Kingdom's first polymer bank note issued by the Bank of England, for £5, enters circulation today. It bears a portrait of Her Majesty The Queen, and features Sir Winston Churchill. On the reverse may be seen a view of the Palace of Westminster with the Elizabeth Tower; and…
The Great Fire of London
01 September 2016
In September 1666, Derby House, the home of the College of Arms, burned down in the Fire of London. As the fire spread from Pudding Lane, sufficient warning was given to allow almost all the books and manuscripts to be rescued. These were taken, probably by boat, to Whitehall. The…
