College of arms

I must have walked past this place dozens of times and not noticed it or realised you could visit. Near St Paul's with the entrance on Queen Victoria St it has been here for centuries.
This is where you go to get your coat of arms if you are important and part of the United Kingdom (except Scotland who has its own organisation) or the Commonwealth.

Not only do they grant new arms but if your family has a coat of arms they can help you trace your family roots. They also have a role in coronations. The purple cushion in the centre of this picture is what the Queen sat on for her coronation, as had previous kings and queens before her.

Today is St Swithins Day

Legend has it that the weather today will set the weather for the next forty days.
St Swithun's day if thou dost rain
For forty days it will remain
St Swithun's day if thou be fair
For forty days 'twill rain no more

Today it is raining! 40 days of this and we'll all leave and go on holiday!