Fitzalan Pursuivant Extraordinary


Fitzalan Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary is a current officer of arms in England. As a pursuivant extraordinary, Fitzalan is a royal officer of arms, but is not a member of the corporation of the College of Arms in London. As with many other extraordinary offices of arms, Fitzalan Pursuivant obtains its title from one of the baronies held by the Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal of England; the appointment was first made for the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1837. The badge of office was assigned in 1958 and is derived from a Fitzalan badge of the fifteenth century. It can be blazoned An Oak Sprig Vert Acorns Or, but is also recorded as A Sprig of Oak proper.
The first four Fitzalans, beginning with Sir Albert Woods, subsequently became Garter Principal King of Arms. Charles Wilfrid Scott-Giles, the well-known heraldic writer, also served as Fitzalan Pursuivant. The current Fitzalan Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary is Alastair Andrew Bernard Reibey Bruce of Crionaich, second cousin to the Hon. Adam Bruce, Marchmont Herald of Arms, currently also serving as the Governor of Edinburgh Castle.

Holders of the office

ArmsNameDate of appointmentRef
Albert William Woods1837
Gerald Woods Wollaston28 May 1902–1906
Algar Henry Stafford Howard 1911
Alexander Colin Cole27 April 1953–1957
Wilfrid Scott-Giles22 August 1957–1982
John Martin Robinson1 October 1982–1998
Alastair Bruce of Crionaich7 October 1998–Present