The Herald in Late Medieval Europe

Stevenson and her collaborators have opened new vistas for the historian of the heralds, focusing on their significance in noble society and courtly politics of the late medieval age. This collection aims to remedy the neglect of heralds' roles in foreign and domestic relations, chivalric culture, and heraldic symbols and genealogy, with contributions from various European regions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Stevenson and her team have paved the way for a fresh perspective on the role of heralds in medieval Europe, offering a roadmap for a more global understanding of their significance within noble society and the intricate courtly politics of the late medieval era. This groundbreaking approach promises to broaden our understanding of their aristocratic culture, challenging the traditional notion that heralds have been overlooked by scholars.

The officers of arms, including kings of arms, heralds, and pursuivants, have often been overshadowed by scholars studying late medieval elite society. However, their roles as officers of the crown, ducal courts, or noble families were vital in various domains. They played a crucial role in international relations, chivalric culture, and the development of heraldic symbols and genealogy. Despite their significant influence, their roles in these areas have remained largely unexplored, with scholarly attention primarily focused on the science of heraldry rather than the heralds themselves.

This comprehensive collection seeks to rectify this neglect by presenting a diverse range of contributions from experts across European regions, particularly Florence, Scandinavia, Poland, the German Empire, the Burgundian Low Countries, Brittany, Scotland, and England. The authors explore the multifaceted roles and experiences of heralds in the late Middle Ages, shedding light on their contributions to diplomacy, warfare, courtly life, and the preservation of noble lineage.

One of the key insights offered by this collection is the recognition of the international dimension of heraldry. Heralds played a crucial role in facilitating trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange across borders, particularly during the period of the Crusades. They served as ambassadors, negotiators, and record keepers, helping to establish and maintain diplomatic relations between different kingdoms and regions.

Furthermore, heraldry played a significant role in the courtly politics of the late medieval era. Kings of arms and heralds were closely associated with noble families, and their symbols and genealogy were used to assert and reinforce their authority and prestige. They were also involved in the creation and promotion of chivalric orders, such as the Knights Templar and the Knights Hospitaller, which were instrumental in shaping the cultural and military landscape of Europe.

The contributions in this collection also highlight the diverse experiences of heralds across different regions. For instance, in Florence, heralds were highly valued for their artistic skills and were responsible for designing and decorating heraldic symbols and coats of arms. In Scandinavia, heralds were often members of the royal court and played a key role in shaping the region's identity and culture. In Poland, heralds were responsible for maintaining the genealogy of noble families and were closely associated with the country's political and social hierarchy.

In conclusion, Stevenson and her collaborators have made a significant contribution to the field of medieval history by opening new vistas for the historian of heralds. Their work emphasizes the importance of a more global approach to the study of heraldry, recognizing the diverse roles and experiences of heralds across different European regions. This collection will be of great interest to scholars, students, and anyone with an interest in medieval history and culture.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837650750