15 Facts About Isaac Heard

Isaac Heard would go on to hold the posts of Lancaster Herald of Arms in Ordinary, Norroy King of Arms and Brunswick Herald.

Isaac Heard was knighted in the Order of the Garter in 1786.

Isaac Heard was born in Ottery St Mary, Devon to John Isaac Heard and wife Elizabeth Michell, daughter and heir of Benjamin Michell of the Great Seaside House in Branscombe.

Isaac Heard's grandfather, named Isaac Heard, was a merchant who resided in Cork and Bridgwater, and had roots in Wiltshire.

Isaac Heard was doubtful of his future in the Navy during peacetime, so in 1751, he began working as a merchant in Bilbao on the Bay of Biscay.

Isaac Heard's stay in Bilbao was cut short after the start of the Seven Years' War in 1756, when tensions between Spain and Britain forced him to return to London in 1757.

In London, Isaac Heard met the Deputy Earl Marshal, Thomas Howard, 2nd Earl of Effingham, who noticed Isaac Heard's interest in antiquities.

Isaac Heard would go on to hold the posts of Lancaster Herald of Arms in Ordinary, Norroy King of Arms and Brunswick King of Arms.

Isaac Heard married Katherine Tyler, born in Boston to a family of English settlers, who was the widow of Captain David Ochterlony of Scotland.

Isaac Heard had four children; her oldest was Sir David Ochterlony, 1st Baronet, who rose to the rank of Major General in the East India Company.

Isaac Heard continued as Garter until his death at the College of Arms in 1822 at the age of 91.

The Heard of Kinsale had been granted a crest in the 16th century; but Isaac Heard's descent was unproven.

Isaac Heard was granted arms in 1762 when he became the Lancaster Herald of Arms in Ordinary.

Isaac Heard's arms portray his near-death experience at sea, as does his motto, Naufragus in portum.

Lament, lament, Sir Isaac Heard, Put mourning round thy page, Debrett, For here lies one who ne'er preferred A Viscount to a Marquis yet.