The College of Arms is the official heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and much of the Commonwealth including Australia and New Zealand. As well as being responsible for the granting of new coats of arms, the College maintains registers of arms, pedigrees, genealogies, Royal Licences, changes of name, and flags. The heralds, besides having ceremonial duties, advise on all matters relating to the peerage and baronetage, precedence, honours and ceremonial as well as national and community symbols including flags. The tour comes highly recommended, especially if you are interested in history, genealogy or London, as the building itself is also very interesting too, dating back to the 1670s. The tour will cost £30.
Blackheath and the surrounding area has been home to a surprising number of musicians, particularly in the second half of the twentieth century. Paul Wright of the Blackheath Society will give an illustrated talk – with musical reminders – telling the stories of artists including Marty Wilde, Albert Lee, Manfred Mann, Squeeze, Kate Bush and many others. The talk also looks back to some of the local venues in which they and others performed.