Medieval Glossary

Herald

During the medieval period, there were several different types of heralds.

1) The term 'herald' could refer to a person making important (often royal) public proclamations or declarations of the news in the streets or squares of a town or city. This sort of person was also likely to be referred to as a town crier.

2) A court official who delivers messages of state (such as treaties) between sovereigns. Essentially a messenger or diplomat.

3) The official that formerly declared challenges between combatants and made proclamations at tournaments.

Related term(s): Town Crier; Heraldic; Heraldry; Tournament
Category: Heraldry
Added: 10.05.04
Last modified: 08.07.05

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