ABSTRACT
Royal entries under the Tudors derived from Roman triumphs in classical antiquity and took their inspiration from Francesco Petrarch's Trionfi. The theatrical pageants and triumphal arches combined to celebrate royal magnificence and military power. The royal messengers delivered the king's personal letters as well as more routine government letters to their recipients. By the accession of Henry VIII there were three kings of arms (Garter, Clarencieux and Norrey), six heralds (Somerset, York, Richmond, Chester, Lancaster and Windsor) and four pursuivants (Rouge Cross, Bluemantle, Rouge Dragon and Portcullis). While royal guards' role was frequently ceremonial, their primary duty was to protect the king. Consequently, they played a prominent role in court life and their livery featured regularly in royal accounts, along with the provision made for the kings of arms, heralds and pursuivants. During the hostilities the great wardrobe provided flags and banners for the king's armies and his ships.
