Herald

Heralds were originally messengers sent by monarchs or noblemen to convey messages or proclamations—in this sense being the predecessors of modern diplomats.

It was possibly due to their role in managing the tournaments of the Late Middle Ages that heralds came to be associated with the regulation of the knights' coats of arms.

In the United Kingdom heralds are still called upon at times to read proclamations publicly; for which they still wear tabards emblazoned with the royal coat of arms.

There are active official heralds today in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and the Republic of South Africa.

Heralds which were primarily ceremonial in nature, especially after the decline of chivalry, were also appointed in various nations for specific events such as a coronation as additions to the pageantry of these occasions.

Pictures of heralds from the 14th–17th century, from H. Ströhl 's Heraldischer Atlas
English and Scottish heralds, wearing tabards , in procession during the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla (2023).
Herald Gelre of the Duke of Gueldres (around 1380)
Bavarian herald Jörg Rugen [ de ] wearing a tabard of the Coat of arms of Bavaria , around 1510.
A 14th-century illustration showing an English herald approaching Scottish soldiers – an incident of the Anglo-Scottish Wars
Tabard worn by an English herald in the College of Arms [ nb 1 ]