Blanc Coursier Herald

One of the main motivations for the foundation of the Order of the Bath in 1725 was the ability it provided the then Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole to show political patronage.

The original statutes provided for seven officers, Registrar, Secretary, Messenger, Dean, King of Arms, Usher and Genealogist, which were to be sinecures supported by annual fees from the members of the Order.

[2] However these offices were held at the pleasure of the Great Master of the Order, which meant the holders could be stripped of them at any time.

Blanc Coursier's ceremonial installation did not take place until 1727,[5] and by that time George II had succeeded his father as king.

Blanc Coursier at the time, Sir George Nayler, was able to have an additional statute passed appointing him King of Arms of the Order.