Ross Herald of Arms Extraordinary is a
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
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and one of its 32 Council areas of Scotland, council areas. The city is located in southeast Scotland and is bounded to the north by the Firth of Forth and to the south by the Pentland Hills. 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 John Stirling.
Holders of the office
See also
*
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;
* to conserve ...
*
Herald
A herald, or a herald of arms, is an officer of arms, ranking between pursuivant and king of arms. The title is commonly applied more broadly to all officers of arms.
Heralds were originally messengers sent by monarchs or noblemen ...
*
Court of the Lord Lyon
*
Heraldry Society of Scotland
References
External links
The Court of the Lord Lyon
{{Court of the Lord Lyon
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Court of the Lord Lyon
Offices of arms