Heraldry in Lancaster Castle

Within the Shire Hall is a splendid display of over 650 shields bearing the arms of every  English monarch from Richard The Lionheart onward, as well as all of the Constables of Lancaster Castle and High Sheriffs of Lancashire. This fascinating collection has aroused the interest of many visitors to the Shire Hall in the study of the decorative and absorbing art and science of heraldry.

Within this section it is our intention to give you a more detailed look at the shields that decorate the Shire Hall so magnificently. We will gradually add to our gallery over the coming months. 

Illustrations and descriptions of the coats of arms are taken from 'Heraldry in the Shire Hall, Lancaster Castle' published by The Lancashire Family History & Heraldry Society (2000) We are also grateful to the estate of Mr Robert Milward for donating a wonderful photographic record of the shields.

Where we have it, the biographical information on the sheriffs has been researched by Colin Penny Phd and Christine Goodier and the information on the first Earls and Dukes of Lancaster by Melvyn Dod.

There are some gaps in the records. This is beause the armorial bearings of some office holders is unknown or  else the person in question did not bear arms.

 If you have any queries about any of the shields please contact us and we will be delighted to help where we can.

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