Heraldry could be described as the shorthand of history, depicting the stories of royalty, noble families, organisations, governments and ordinary people in vivid and colourful displays, which can be read and interpreted at a glance. It is also to be found all around us, if you know where to look. 

The illustrated talk will provide an introduction to the basics, the minimal number of rules to be followed and then takes a meandering path through its use in battle, the elaborate and sometimes confusing usage in Georgian and Victorian times, to its modern display in corporate and personal identity, advertising and civic ceremonial.

The Arms associated with West Sussex will be covered as will the work of the College of Arms and the modern day Heralds.

Monthly talk and refreshments: doors open 2:00 pm; refreshments served until 2.20pm; talk starts at 2.30pm