Ross Herald
Encyclopedia
Ross Herald of Arms Extraordinary is a current Scottish
herald of arms
Extraordinary of the Court of the Lord Lyon
. The office is however held in Extraordinary after the retirement of the last holder in Ordinary.
The title of the office is derived from the Earldom of Ross
. The title was first used in 1475.
The Ross Herald in 1687, Henry Fraser was a heraldic painter who apprenticed under George Porteous. He was responsible for genealogical research and the designing and painting of coats of arms. There is mention of him in the Gordon papers of 24 December 1716 "Account due to Henry Fraser, Ross Herald, for paintings done for funeral of George, 1st duke of Gordon: lozenge arms, mort heads, branches for the coffin, a helmet and ducal crown, etc., and other work in the Citadel of Leith." He was also mentioned by Alexander Nisbet in his book A System of Heraldry, Speculative & Practical written in 1712 but not published until 1722 in Edinburgh
. "James Workman's Illuminated Book of Arms, who was Herald in the reign of James VI, which book I frequently refer to..which book I had from the ingenious Mr. Henry Fraser, Ross Herald.. " Mr. Fraser died 15 January 1724 and is buried b. 17 North Corner Naismith Tomb in Greyfriars Churchyard. The office was held until his death.
The badge of office
is Two lions rampant Argent armed and langued Azure supporting a baton paleways Sable, the tips Or ensigned of the Crown of Scotland Proper.
The office is currently held by Charles John Burnett, Esq. He was appointed to this post in Ordinary in 29 December 1988:; and then in Extraordinary on the 4 January 2011.
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
herald of arms
Officer of arms
An officer of arms is a person appointed by a sovereign or state with authority to perform one or more of the following functions:*to control and initiate armorial matters*to arrange and participate in ceremonies of state...
Extraordinary of the Court of the Lord Lyon
Court of the Lord Lyon
The Court of the Lord Lyon, also known as the Lyon Court, is a standing court of law which regulates heraldry in Scotland. Like the College of Arms in England it maintains the register of grants of arms, known as the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland, as well as records of...
. The office is however held in Extraordinary after the retirement of the last holder in Ordinary.
The title of the office is derived from the Earldom of Ross
Earl of Ross
The Mormaer or Earl of Ross was the leader of a medieval Gaelic lordship in northern Scotland, roughly between the River Oykel and the River Beauly.-Origins and transfers:...
. The title was first used in 1475.
The Ross Herald in 1687, Henry Fraser was a heraldic painter who apprenticed under George Porteous. He was responsible for genealogical research and the designing and painting of coats of arms. There is mention of him in the Gordon papers of 24 December 1716 "Account due to Henry Fraser, Ross Herald, for paintings done for funeral of George, 1st duke of Gordon: lozenge arms, mort heads, branches for the coffin, a helmet and ducal crown, etc., and other work in the Citadel of Leith." He was also mentioned by Alexander Nisbet in his book A System of Heraldry, Speculative & Practical written in 1712 but not published until 1722 in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
. "James Workman's Illuminated Book of Arms, who was Herald in the reign of James VI, which book I frequently refer to..which book I had from the ingenious Mr. Henry Fraser, Ross Herald.. " Mr. Fraser died 15 January 1724 and is buried b. 17 North Corner Naismith Tomb in Greyfriars Churchyard. The office was held until his death.
The badge of office
Heraldic badge
A heraldic badge is an emblem or personal device worn as a badge to indicate allegiance to or the property of an individual or family. Medieval forms are usually called a livery badge, and also a cognizance...
is Two lions rampant Argent armed and langued Azure supporting a baton paleways Sable, the tips Or ensigned of the Crown of Scotland Proper.
The office is currently held by Charles John Burnett, Esq. He was appointed to this post in Ordinary in 29 December 1988:; and then in Extraordinary on the 4 January 2011.
Office bearers
- 1623: James Workman
- 1687 - 1724: Henry Fraser (1652-1724)
- 1724 - 1746: Roderick Chalmers
- pre 1907 - 1925: Andrew Ross (1849-1925)
- 1988 - Present: Charles John Burnett (the office is presently used in Extraordinary since 2010, after the retirement of Burnett from the Court)
See also
- Officer of ArmsOfficer of armsAn officer of arms is a person appointed by a sovereign or state with authority to perform one or more of the following functions:*to control and initiate armorial matters*to arrange and participate in ceremonies of state...
- HeraldHeraldA herald, or, more correctly, a herald of arms, is an officer of arms, ranking between pursuivant and king of arms. The title is often applied erroneously to all officers of arms....
- Court of the Lord LyonCourt of the Lord LyonThe Court of the Lord Lyon, also known as the Lyon Court, is a standing court of law which regulates heraldry in Scotland. Like the College of Arms in England it maintains the register of grants of arms, known as the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland, as well as records of...
- Heraldry Society of ScotlandHeraldry Society of ScotlandThe Heraldry Society of Scotland was founded in 1977 with the objective of promoting the study of heraldry and encouraging its correct use in Scotland and overseas....