If you’ve ever watched a royal ceremony on television, been to a medieval fair, or watched a film set in the medieval ages you’ve probably seen a herald busy at work. These brightly dressed men started out as early diplomats and scholarly nobility, but quickly evolved into something very different. More than mere referees of battles and tournaments, they were actually the most powerful men on the battlefield, with the power to decide who won and lost decisive battles throughout history.
The Rise of the Herald: Early Heralds
The earliest heralds were an early form of diplomat. It was their duty to deliver proclamations and act as messengers for monarchs and noblemen. Much like diplomats today, heralds received a kind of diplomatic immunity.
Heralds carried a white rod that told enemy combatants that they were not to be attacked or punished for the contents they carried. Essentially, the herald was holding up a sign that said ‘don’t shoot the messenger’. Without this immunity, a herald’s job would have been impossible.
‘Is that a lion on your flag? I’ve got a message for you!’ An English herald approaches Scottish soldiers, artist unknown. ( Public Domain )
Over time, their immunity and repeated interactions with the monarchy and noblemen meant that heralds became experts in heraldry (the study of knights and the nobility). This meant they knew all the different badges, standards, and coats of arms , and who they represented. A herald needed to know this information to ensure…
