英国纹章院（College of Arms）创建于1484年。事实上，早在12世纪就有纹章官（Herald）的出现。开始时，纹章官类似依附于贵族之奴仆，地位相当于魔术师及吟游诗人。后来被当成比武会上的司仪，宣布比武项目及骑士名单。为识别骑士，必须对盾牌上之盾纹有所了解及认识，因而产生了纹章艺术的知识和技能。13世纪时，纹章官主要的工作是处理贵族事务。到了14世纪，纹章官之权力有所扩大。15世纪初，最高纹章官（Kings of Arms）已能授命给低级贵族颁赠封号。到了国王停止直接授与纹章时，此一权力便由纹章院代行。

The College of Arms, also known as the College of Heralds, is a royal corporation consisting of professional officers of arms, with jurisdiction over England, Wales, Northern Ireland and some Commonwealth realms. The heralds are appointed by the British Sovereign and are delegated authority to act on behalf of the Crown in all matters of heraldry, the granting of new coats of arms, genealogical research and the recording of pedigrees. The College is also the official body responsible for matters relating to the flying of flags on land, and it maintains the official registers of flags and other national symbols. Though a part of the Royal Household of the United Kingdom the College is self-financed, unsupported by any public funds.