10 Facts About Albert Woods

The Woods family has a strong tradition of service at the College of Arms.

Albert Woods was the son of Sir William Woods, Garter King of Arms from 1838 until his death in 1842.

Likewise, the grandson of Albert Woods was Sir Gerald Woods Wollaston, who rose to the rank of Garter King of Arms and served there from 1930 until 1944.

In 1838 Albert Woods became a member of the chapter of the College of Arms when he was appointed Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary.

Albert Woods held this position until 1869, when he was appointed Garter Principal King of Arms, a position he held until his death 35 years later.

From 1866, Albert Woods was registrar of the College of Arms.

Albert Woods officiated at the coronations both of Queen Victoria and of Edward VII.

Albert Woods is particularly critical of the crests granted by Woods, which frequently incorporated tree trunks, either in front of the crest or underneath it, a practice Davies considered unheraldic.

Albert Woods was responsible for the compilation of the important unpublished ordinary of arms known as "Garter's Ordinaries".

Albert Woods began work on it in 1842 and continued until his death in 1904.