College of Arms
College of Arms
3.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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The area
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Neighbourhood: City of London
From its ancient past as a Roman trading outpost to its 21st century status as the wealthiest square mile in the world, the financial district known simply as “The City” is one of London's most historic and fascinating neighbourhoods. Here high rise office towers such as Norman Foster’s Gherkin mingle with Roman ruins and architectural marvels from virtually every era in between, including Christopher Wren's glorious St.Paul's Cathedral, and John Soane's dauntingly classicist Bank of England. This neighbourhood is also home to some of the finest restaurants and plushest hotels in Europe, in addition to an assortment of of watering holes, upscale shops, and Tube stations. During the week, the City is abuzz with white collar workers going about their business; the weekend sees this area turn into a quiet haven for sightseers.
How to get there
- Mansion House • 4 min walk
- St. Paul's • 5 min walk
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3.5
17 reviews
Excellent
5
Very good
7
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
2
aferry
New Orleans, LA235 contributions
Apr 2022
The College of Arms has a one-room exhibit. Of course, there are, no doubt, many other rooms where heralds are diligently reviewing coats of arms.
The receptionist was very gracious and urged me to walk the room, enjoying the portraits and the arms. It was a fun five minutes and worth a visit to this institution animated by Richard III. Hark !!!
The receptionist was very gracious and urged me to walk the room, enjoying the portraits and the arms. It was a fun five minutes and worth a visit to this institution animated by Richard III. Hark !!!
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barklyeast
Bengaluru, India366 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
The College of Arms was founded in 1484. It has nothing to do with weapons. It is the official body that regulates the use of coats of arms and other heraldic emblems.
The College is housed in a building that replaced its earlier home that was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. The present building was built only a few years after the Fire. Originally, it was a four sided building enclosing a courtyard, but in later years the front part of it was demolished in order that Victoria Street could be made.
Only the entrance hall, which used to be a court-room for cases relating to coats of arms, may be visited. We were welcomed by a friendly lady who explained many things to us.
The entrance hall has the original judge's 'throne' as well as some portraits of previous Heads of the College including Sir John Vanbrugh and Queen Elzabeth the First's courtier, Sir Robert Dudley.
Of particular interest are three heraldic models, which used to be on display in St George's Chapel in Windsor. They relate to former, now deceased, Knights of the Garter. While the Knights are alive, their heraldic emblems are on display in the Chapel at Windsor. When they die, their emblems are removed from Windsor, and replaced with those of living Knights of the Garter. One of the emblems we saw at the College is an elephant. This was the emblem of Lord Kitchener (1850-1916).
Although visitors, arriving without a prior appointment, get to see one room only, it is well worth visiting.
The College is housed in a building that replaced its earlier home that was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. The present building was built only a few years after the Fire. Originally, it was a four sided building enclosing a courtyard, but in later years the front part of it was demolished in order that Victoria Street could be made.
Only the entrance hall, which used to be a court-room for cases relating to coats of arms, may be visited. We were welcomed by a friendly lady who explained many things to us.
The entrance hall has the original judge's 'throne' as well as some portraits of previous Heads of the College including Sir John Vanbrugh and Queen Elzabeth the First's courtier, Sir Robert Dudley.
Of particular interest are three heraldic models, which used to be on display in St George's Chapel in Windsor. They relate to former, now deceased, Knights of the Garter. While the Knights are alive, their heraldic emblems are on display in the Chapel at Windsor. When they die, their emblems are removed from Windsor, and replaced with those of living Knights of the Garter. One of the emblems we saw at the College is an elephant. This was the emblem of Lord Kitchener (1850-1916).
Although visitors, arriving without a prior appointment, get to see one room only, it is well worth visiting.
Written 14 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland30,648 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
Not much to see here but an I press I’ve set of gates. It’s worth a quick look but I would not go out of my way to visit.
Written 21 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jack R
Exeter, UK544 contributions
Feb 2020
We found this place completely by accident, right next to St Paul's Cathedral. there is only one room to look at really, but lots of interesting information about heraldry and the history of the College of Arms. The lady was really nice and helpful too.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alanedge
Cheltenham, UK17 contributions
Mar 2019
Over the last 5 years or so I have been trying to get somebody at the College of Arms to respond to a request about making sure I am able to use a particular Coat of Arms. I have sent e-mails to virtually everyone that would accept an e-mail and to date I HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. In my days, when somebody contacted you to enquire about an item or service it was customary to acknowledge that request with some information about length of time to complete or to ask for further information to complete that request.
The College of Arms personnel obviously see themselves as not having to obey proper etiquette rules and deem themselves to be above the rest of us.
I am appalled at the lack of concern to those who are requesting information and they may as well take down the website as it is proving to be a hassle for them.
Maybe they have someone reading these reviews and I may get a response, but to be honest, based on past experiences, I doubt it. Terrible service!
The College of Arms personnel obviously see themselves as not having to obey proper etiquette rules and deem themselves to be above the rest of us.
I am appalled at the lack of concern to those who are requesting information and they may as well take down the website as it is proving to be a hassle for them.
Maybe they have someone reading these reviews and I may get a response, but to be honest, based on past experiences, I doubt it. Terrible service!
Written 2 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian M
Sydney, Australia43 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
I can remember a visit here some years ago with great pleasure.
Today's visit will be best forgotten.
The person who looked up from her crossword as we walked in did give us information on the paintings around the walls however I expect the crossword was more interesting that we were.
Today's visit will be best forgotten.
The person who looked up from her crossword as we walked in did give us information on the paintings around the walls however I expect the crossword was more interesting that we were.
Written 19 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2Opinion
Welwyn Garden City, UK318 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
... very few people know how Coats of Arms arose, have been designed and protected, and how they can be claimed even today. The College welcomes small group bookings and opens its doors to allow interested folk like us to learn a fascinating insight into part of England's history over the last 700-800 years. There are equivalent Colleges of Arms in many other countries.
Our group of 20 were treated to a very entertaining presentation by "Windsor" Pursuivant of Arms whose stories and anecdotes kept us captivated. If history is your "thing" investigate the website to learn more!
Our group of 20 were treated to a very entertaining presentation by "Windsor" Pursuivant of Arms whose stories and anecdotes kept us captivated. If history is your "thing" investigate the website to learn more!
Written 13 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
futtock21
London, UK17,143 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
The College of Arms is a royal corporation delegated to act on behalf of the Crown both in this country and some Commonwealth countries in matters of heraldry, the granting of new coats of arms, genealogical research and the recording of pedigrees. Strange then that such colourful activity takes place within a building with a rather uninspiring exterior with the possible exception of the gates removed from Goodrich Court in Hertfordshire. Inside the entrance hall has featured in James Bond films.
Written 20 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,581 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Well maybe that is not in the upper 600 needs or wants on my priority list but I speak for myself only. Different strokes for different folks, and all that. However, if one is in the market for the artwork, calligraphy, and costs to keep the college up and running, then don't let me get in the way.
This historic body has been at it since the 1400's and they are the body to consult on all matters regarding lineage. They maintain the registers of the coat of arms and they are the body to grant a new coat of arms.
And this is when my American-side is having trouble relating to the crowd across the pond. I suppose I imagine there are more important things in the world than getting a coat of arms to hang over the fireplace.
This historic body has been at it since the 1400's and they are the body to consult on all matters regarding lineage. They maintain the registers of the coat of arms and they are the body to grant a new coat of arms.
And this is when my American-side is having trouble relating to the crowd across the pond. I suppose I imagine there are more important things in the world than getting a coat of arms to hang over the fireplace.
Written 24 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nomadman411978
London, UK3,144 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
College of Arms is a fine 17th century building next to the Faraday Building and is connected with all things heraldic, coats of arms and such. At the entrance is a great example of the royal coat of arms.
Written 3 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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