Sir Ralph Bigland ( Owen; 1 May 1757 – 14 July 1838) was an English herald. He was the son of Joseph Owen of

Salford Salford ( ) is a City status in the United Kingdom, city in Greater Manchester, England, on the western bank of the River Irwell which forms its boundary with Manchester city centre. Landmarks include the former Salford Town Hall, town hall, ...

, Lancashire, and Elizabeth-Maria Owen (''née'' Bigland). In 1774, he received royal licence to take the surname and arms of Bigland. He did this out of respect to his maternal uncle,

Ralph Bigland Ralph Bigland (29 January 1712 – 27 March 1784) was an English officer of arms, antiquary, antiquarian and cheesemaker. He was born at Stepney, Middlesex, and was the only son of Richard Bigland and his wife, Mary. His father was a native of ...

, English Officer of Arms, at his uncle's desire. That same year, he became

Rouge Dragon Pursuivant Rouge Dragon Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary is a junior officer of arms of the College of Arms, named after the red dragon of Wales. The office was instituted by Henry VII on 29 October 1485, the eve of his coronation.''Rouge Dragon Pursuivan ...

, the first of five heraldic appointments he was to hold in the

College of Arms The College of Arms, or Heralds' College, is a royal corporation consisting of professional Officer of Arms, officers of arms, with jurisdiction over England, Wales, Northern Ireland and some Commonwealth realms. The heralds are appointed by the ...

. Like his uncle, he rose to the most senior office, being appointed

Garter Principal King of Arms Garter Principal King of Arms (also Garter King of Arms or simply Garter) is the senior king of arms and officer of arms of the College of Arms, the heraldic authority with jurisdiction over England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The position has ...

from 1831 (the same year he was created

Knight Bachelor The title of Knight Bachelor is the basic rank granted to a man who has been knighted by the monarch but not inducted as a member of one of the organised Order of chivalry, orders of chivalry; it is a part of the Orders, decorations, and medals ...

) until his death. He was the last to hold all three Kingships of the College of Arms in succession.

Arms

References

English officers of arms 1838 deaths English genealogists 1757 births Knights Bachelor Garter Principal Kings of Arms {{England-bio-stub