John Charles Brooke

John Charles Brooke FSA (27 August 1748 – 3 February 1794) was an English antiquarian who served as Somerset Herald from 1777 until his death.

John Brooke, Rector of High Hoyland, who had himself – in the previous century – been an antiquarian interested in the history of Yorkshire.

[1][2] However "after discovering a strong turn to heraldic pursuits" he attracted the attention of Edward Howard, the future 9th Duke of Norfolk (the holder of which title is hereditary Earl Marshal in charge of the College of Arms) he secured a placement in the College of Arms in the City of London.

On 3 February 1794 he attended the Haymarket Theatre in Pall Mall, London with Benjamin Pingo, York Herald.

"[3] King George III had attended the theatre that day and was only told of the deaths of both Officers of Arms after he had departed.