Cambridge University Heraldic and Genealogical Society
The Cambridge University Heraldic and Genealogical Society (CUHAGS) is a distinguished academic and social organization dedicated to the study of ancestry and armorial bearings. Established through a strategic merger in 1957, the society serves as a hub for scholars, enthusiasts, and experts interested in the intricate details of lineage and the symbolic language of heraldry.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1957 (via the merger of the Cambridge University Heraldic Society and the Cambridge University Society of Genealogists).
- Current President: Daniel Vollborth (the 61st President).
- Current Patron: Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk.
- Primary Publication: The Escutcheon, a termly magazine.
- Major Project: The Cambridge Armorial, documenting corporate armigers in Cambridge.
- Signature Event: The Mountbatten Commemorative Lecture.
History and Formation
The origins of the society date back to the mid-20th century. The first Cambridge University Heraldic Society was established in 1948, emerging from the remnants of the late nineteenth-century Monumental Brass Society. A few years later, in 1954, the Cambridge University Society of Genealogists was formed. Due to a significant overlap in membership between the two groups, the societies decided to consolidate.
On June 10, 1957, following a series of discussions and special general meetings, both original societies were abolished to make way for the unified Cambridge University Heraldic and Genealogical Society. The new organization was structured to include a patron, honorary vice-presidents, and a committee comprising a president, secretary, and both senior and junior treasurers.
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Society Activities and Traditions
CUHAGS maintains a vibrant calendar of intellectual and social engagements. The society hosts nine speaker meetings annually—four in the Michaelmas term, four in the Lent term, and one at the start of the Easter term. While the primary focus is on heraldry (the system of creating hereditary coats of arms) and genealogy (the study of family lines), the scope extends to cognate antiquarian subjects such as military medals, tartan, ceremonial dress, and local history.
Beyond lectures, the society organizes two annual outings to sites of historical interest, including visits to the College of Arms, the Society of Genealogists, and various museums and cathedrals. Social traditions are also central to the society, featuring a garden party in the Easter term and a large dinner each term. The Annual Dinner in the Lent term is particularly prestigious; in March 2023, it was hosted at the House of Lords.
In 2022, the society demonstrated its international standing by hosting the 35th International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences. This event was patronized by the Duke of Edinburgh and attended by high-ranking officers of arms, including the Garter King of Arms and the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
Patronage and Leadership
The society has been honored by a succession of distinguished patrons. Following the 1957 merger, Lord Mountbatten, a dedicated genealogist, served as Patron until 1979. He was succeeded by Archbishop Bruno Heim, a renowned expert in Roman Catholic Church heraldry, and subsequently by the Duke of Norfolk, who serves as the Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England.
| Role | Notable Figures | Period/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Patron | Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma | 1957–1979 |
| Patron | Archbishop Bruno Heim | 1980–2003 |
| Patron | Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk | 2003–Present |
| President | Daniel Vollborth | Current (61st) |
Publications and Academic Contributions
The society has contributed significantly to the documentation of regional heraldry. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, members transcribed parish registers for Westley Waterless and Shepreth in Cambridgeshire. Their most significant scholarly achievement is The Cambridge Armorial, published in 1985 after a nineteen-year effort. This work provides blazons (formal descriptions of coats of arms) and histories for corporate armigers in Cambridge, including its colleges and schools.
Since 1995, the society has published The Escutcheon, a termly magazine that shares research and updates with its members.
The Mountbatten Commemorative Lecture
Established to honor the late Lord Mountbatten, the Mountbatten Commemorative Lecture is the society's most prestigious annual event. The lecture series frequently features senior members of the College of Arms, including multiple Garter Kings of Arms. Notable lecturers have included Prince Michael of Kent (1994) and various heraldic authorities discussing topics ranging from Arthurian heraldry to the genealogy of the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glucksburg.
Society Coat of Arms
The society was granted its own armorial bearings by the College of Arms in London on May 30, 2007. The escutcheon (shield) features a cross pean between four red lions' faces on a gold field, with a pean border. The crest depicts a gold demi-lion supporting a book and a crane's leg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of CUHAGS?
The society serves as a discussion and research group focused on heraldry, genealogy, and related antiquarian subjects, fostering academic interest through lectures, publications, and outings.
What is The Cambridge Armorial?
It is an ambitious publication that documents the arms of all corporate armigers in Cambridge, including the university, its colleges, and local schools, providing both their formal blazons and histories.
Who is the current Patron of the society?
The current Patron is Edward Fitzalan-Howard, the 18th Duke of Norfolk, who also holds the titles of Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England.
What is the Mountbatten Commemorative Lecture?
It is the society's most important annual meeting, inaugurated to honor Lord Mountbatten. It typically features lectures from high-ranking heraldic officers and members of royalty.
How often is the society's magazine published?
The society's magazine, titled The Escutcheon, is published once every academic term.