So this coat of arms, you see, shows the result of the labours of its original bearer, along with the telescope which was instrumental in making the wonderful discovery.
And now a few last words about the frontispiece. This shows the herald in his tabard, which, as the official habit of heralds, has remained unchanged in Great Britain ever since the office of herald was first instituted. The tabard—really, a tunic—was originally worn over mail armour, being blazoned back and front, as it is now, with the arms of the sovereign for the time being.
Though the general name of tabard was given to this particular kind of official garment, it was further distinguished by the term of "tunique," when worn by the King-at-Arms. It was then made of "riche fyne velvet." When worn by the heralds, the tabard was known as a "plasque," and made of satin, whilst the pursuivant's tabard was called a "coat of arms," and made of damask silk.
A King-at-Arms ranks first amongst heraldic officials. It is his duty to direct heralds, to preside at their chapters, and to him belongs the jurisdiction of arms.
We have three English Kings-of-Arms,[5] styled respectively, Garter, Clarencieux, and Norroy. The officer attached to the Order of the Bath is also styled "Bath King-at-Arms."
[5:] The term of "King-at-Arms" is also sometimes employed.
Scotland has her "Lyon King-of-Arms," Ireland her "Ulster King-of-Arms."
We have three chief heralds and six subordinate or provincial ones—viz., York, Lancaster, Chester, Windsor, Richmond, and Somerset. On the accession of George I., two more were appointed and styled the "Hanover Herald," and "Gloucester King-at-Arms."
A pursuivant is an attendant upon the herald, and belongs to the third or lowest order of heraldic officers.
There are four English pursuivants, styled respectively, Rouge Croix, Blue Mantle, Rouge Dragon, and Portcullis. Three pursuivants belong to the Court of Lyon in Scotland—Unicorn, Carrick, and Bute.