Albert Woods

Sir Albert William Woods, GCVO, KCB, KCMG, KGStJ, FSA (April 16, 1816–January 7, 1904) was an English officer of arms. The Woods family has a firm tradition at the College of Arms. Albert Woods was the son of Sir William Woods, Garter Principal King of Arms from 1838 until his death in 1842. Likewise, the grandson of Albert Woods was Sir Gerald Woods Wollaston, who also rose to the rank of Garter Principal King of Arms and served there from 1930 until 1944.

Heraldic career

Woods' first heraldic appointment came in 1837 when he served as Fitzalan Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary at the coronation of Queen Victoria. In 1838 Woods became a member of the chapter of the College of Arms when he was appointed Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary. After a short appointment as Norfolk Herald of Arms Extraordinary, Woods was promoted to the office of Lancaster Herald of Arms in Ordinary in 1841. This position was held until 1869, when he was appointed Garter Principal King of Arms, a position he held until his death 35 years later.

From 1866, Woods was registrar of the College of Arms. At his appointment as Garter Principal King of Arms, he was also named the King of Arms of the Order of St Michael and St George. In 1878, he was made registrar of the Order of the Star of India and the Order of the Indian Empire. Woods also officiated at the coronations both of Queen Victoria and of King Edward VII.

Honours and appointments

*1837 - Fitzalan Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary
*1838 - Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary
*1841 - Norfolk Herald of Arms Extraordinary
*1841 - Lancaster Herald of Arms in Ordinary
*1869 - Knight Bachelor
*1869 - Garter Principal King of Arms
*1897 - Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath
*1899 - Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George
*1903 - Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order [LondonGazette|issue=27570|startpage=4073|date=30 June 1903|accessdate=2007-11-15]

ee also

*Heraldry
*Pursuivant
*Herald

References

External links

* [http://www.college-of-arms.gov.uk The College of Arms]
* [http://www.cam.ac.uk/societies/cuhags/info/o_of_a/intro.htm CUHAGS Officer of Arms Index]