- William Dethick
Sir William Dethick (c. 1542 – 1612) was a long-serving
officer of arms at theCollege of Arms inLondon . He was the son of Sir Gilbert Dethick and followed his father asGarter Principal King of Arms . Though he was adjudged a qualified armorist and antiquarian, Dethick's biography is notable for numerous instances of conflict with his colleagues and others.Heraldic career
William Dethick was appointed Rouge Croix Pursuivant of Arms in 1567 and York Herald of Arms in 1570. His father and predecessor as Garter, Sir Gilbert Dethick died in March, 1584. The office of Garter was held vacant for two years, during which time Clarenceux King of Arms Robert Cook served as interim Garter. On
21 April 1586 , William Dethick was appointed Garter.Personal character
Biographers note that Dethick was embroiled in strife throughout his career to a degree notable even for his time period, including numerous accusations of physical assault. [’’Heralds of England’’ Sir Anthony Wagner.] In 1573 Mary White, the wife of
Chester Herald reported that Dethick assaulted her with a coal basket and rubbed hot ashes into her hair. [BL, MS Lansdowne 18, f5.] He was also reported to have attacked his father with his fists, stabbed his elder brother, and stabbed another man while at a funeral inWestminster Abbey .In his professional capacity his qualifications were high and he was judged by his peers a skillful
herald , but he was a constant transgressor. As York Herald, he confirmed arms under his own seal, thus usurping the prerogative of the Kings of Arms. He was also able to secure extra powers in his patent of appointment as Garter King of Arms by bribing the Clerk of the Signet. When a royal commission was established to examine the irregularities, Dethick surrendered his patent though he continued in the office. In January 1604, the authorities appointedWilliam Segar as Garter. Dethick resisted his deposition until 1606 when he was given a pension of £200 per year. [”The Coat of Arms” No. 206, 243.]Dethick was knighted by King James I of England and VI of Scotland on
13 May 1603 . He died in 1612 and was buried inSt Paul's Cathedral .Notes
External links
* [http://www.college-of-arms.gov.uk The College of Arms]
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