A Life of Heraldry and Art
Sir William Segar was a portrait painter and an officer of arms to the court of Elizabeth I of England, later serving as Garter King of Arms under James I. Trained as a scrivener, he found employment with Sir Thomas Heneage, which led to his admission to the College of Arms in June 1585. Throughout his heraldic career, Segar held several significant positions, including Portcullis Pursuivant, Somerset Herald, and Norroy King of Arms. He also served as deputy Garter to invest Christian IV of Denmark with the Order of the Garter.
Beyond his official duties, Segar was active in multiple mediums. His documented artistic work includes an illumination of Dean Colet in the Statute Book of St. Paul's School and portraits of various court members, such as the Earl of Essex, Leicester, and Sir Francis Drake. He was also the author of The Booke of Honour and Armes, published anonymously in 1590, and an expanded version titled Honour Military and Civil in 1602.
