Forty years ago every second hand bookshop was stuffed with copies of Osbert Sitwell’s four volume autobiography; handsome, salmon hardbacks with sun-faded spines published by Macmillan. They were not expensive then, nor are they now.
“My father is very fond of walking, extremely rapidly, in these gardens he has made. All day long he can be found in them: and this year, into which I lead you, he is there for a longer time than ever, because to him the Middle Ages are the model for all life to follow – hence the isolation you noticed, for he lives behind invisible barriers of pedigrees and tourneys and charters and coats-of-arms, and all round him hang its shields and banners, all round him sound its discordant trumpets and the battle-cries of armoured men – and since every medieval romance opens in a garden at the hour of sunrise, he has, this summer, chosen to be called every morning at five. But, though he has his share of the proselytising spirit and is anxious that others should benefit from the same experience, he is still alone.” (Left Hand, Right Hand, Osbert Sitwell, 1945.)
Sir George need no longer walk alone. The White Lion Society, founded in 1986 “has completed 32 years of service to the College of Arms, during which time its sole aim has been to support the College in (i) its research of heraldry, genealogy and military insignia , (ii) preparation and granting of arms and (iii) the preservation of its history, buildings and traditions”. I have become a member and hope to be further educated in armorial devices, escutcheons, tinctures, supporters and the whole glorious panoply of heraldic design, especially tinctures.
Good luck on your new adventure with the White Lion Society!
We look forward to future blogs on heraldry, genealogy and military insignia as well as the granting of arms and the preservation of its history, buildings and traditions.
You can’t beat African amory for colour, vibrancy and exotic wildlife.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coats_of_arms_and_emblems_of_Africa
Perhaps you could set up a parallel blog entirely devoted to heraldry. This would prevent you being concerned at losing the attention of readers who may not entirely share your enthusiasm.
What fun! As you imply, It can be tremendously interesting, if you wish to delve into the subject. There is a ” friends of the College” group here in the U.S., and the College itself puts out a very nice newsletter via e-mail. The Heralds also give lectures periodically that are usually quite good. I find the recurrence of punning in heraldry is particularly delightful. I hope it all brings you much amusement.