Heralds' Museum
Encyclopedia
The Heralds' Museum at the Tower of London
opened in the old Waterloo Barracks within the Tower in 1981. It was run by the College of Arms Trust. The original idea came from Sir Anthony Wagner
, Garter Principal King of Arms
. Wagner hoped to establish a museum
in which to display the treasures of the College of Arms
itself. Initially it was hoped to erect a building adjacent to the college, and a most interesting design was commissioned from Raymond Erith
. This proved impossible because of the increasing financial demands of repairs to the college building. In 1981 the Heralds' Museum was at last opened as part of the Tower of London. The museum was open during the summer season and admission was included in admission to the Tower. Exhibits included items from the collection of College of Arms and artifacts borrowed from other sources.
Tower of London
Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space...
opened in the old Waterloo Barracks within the Tower in 1981. It was run by the College of Arms Trust. The original idea came from Sir Anthony Wagner
Anthony Wagner
Sir Anthony Richard Wagner, KCB, KCVO, FSA was a long-serving officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. He served as Garter Principal King of Arms before retiring to the post of Clarenceux King of Arms...
, Garter Principal King of Arms
Garter Principal King of Arms
The Garter Principal King of Arms is the senior King of Arms, and the senior Officer of Arms of the College of Arms. He is therefore the most powerful herald within the jurisdiction of the College – primarily England, Wales and Northern Ireland – and so arguably the most powerful in the world...
. Wagner hoped to establish a museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
in which to display the treasures of the College of Arms
College of Arms
The College of Arms, or Heralds’ College, is an office regulating heraldry and granting new armorial bearings for England, Wales and Northern Ireland...
itself. Initially it was hoped to erect a building adjacent to the college, and a most interesting design was commissioned from Raymond Erith
Raymond Erith
Raymond Erith was an English architect known for his restorations and work in a traditional styles. Critic Ian Nairn described his work as "genuinely Georgian, not 'neo'".He formed the partnership Erith & Terry with his pupil Quinlan Terry....
. This proved impossible because of the increasing financial demands of repairs to the college building. In 1981 the Heralds' Museum was at last opened as part of the Tower of London. The museum was open during the summer season and admission was included in admission to the Tower. Exhibits included items from the collection of College of Arms and artifacts borrowed from other sources.