How did heralds become involved in genealogy?

Heralds became involved in genealogy primarily through their professional need to identify individuals and their armorial bearings. In the 12th century, heralds were responsible for announcing and conducting tournaments, which required them to recognize the arms of local nobles and understand their family derivations.1

As their authority expanded, heralds began serving noble houses on a permanent basis, further deepening their knowledge of family histories. A critical development occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries with the implementation of heraldic visitations. During these official commissions, heralds were directed by the sovereign to inspect the arms in use within specific counties. To verify a person's right to bear specific arms, heralds required proof of lineage, leading them to compile extensive collections of family pedigrees.12

Today, this historical intersection remains central to the profession, as heralds continue to record pedigrees and serve as authorities on armorial history. The close relationship between the two fields persists because heraldry provides essential clues for connecting families and disclosing their origins.134