ALL, I have received a reply to my query re CHASE Armorial Bearings from The College of Arms. A copy of this letter will be found on the CHASE site on the "Meanings" page. It takes a little while to load (114k size). I should make it ABSOLUTELY clear that when making this enquiry I did NOT just specify Dedham & Wivenhoe. These places were mentioned as being where CHASE family lived as was CHESHAM,CORNWALL and a possible WELSH connection. On the basis that it was decided to go ahead I am assured that the search will cover ALL the records of the last 600 years. I should also make it clear that the cost applies for the search so that should there be nothing then the charge is still made. Unbelievably there is no Index kept on all the Arms granted. I am informed that these run into thousands. All books are checked not just those for one area. I found this incromprehensible but I was informed that this was to ensure that no one else could get meaningful records. You will see that they are asking for any information re the families etc and if application or granting of Arms was made. CAN I ASK ANYONE WHO HAS ALREADY SENT IN INFORMATION TO ME TO REPEAT IT PLEASE SO I KNOW I HAVE ALL AVAILABLE IN ONE FILE. When I suggested it seemed like a way of ensuring income this was not denied. The whole thing is not Government or Royal funded and their expenses are very high. Another point for clarification concerns the genealogical research. The information we would get would be a description of the genealogy,who,and where and when but not actual details. The reason is that there may be more than one for the same individual and it could be lengthy. A seperate charge would be made. Estimated cost would depend on how lengthy the information was. This is because in the middle ages Royalty would often send out Heralds to do an Accounting of Armorial Bearings in the various counties. These were called Visitations. The main purpose was to ascertain how much tax each noble could be expected to pay. The Herld was required to do a "family tree" of any Arms Bearing person or who claimed the right "to bear Arms" Henry VIII it was who was the most diligent and in fact was responsible for the first organosed gathering of tax in the British Ilses The College will not permit photocopying of any documents. For my own part I believe this would be money well spent providing the cost does not fall on one individual. In particular it would appear that the CHESHAM Chase family appear to be the most likely to have been granted Arms. I am willing to put up the first 20 pounds (36 dollars) of the total of approx 196 dollars required. I also feel that if people want to contribute the money be sent to someone in the Group who will then order direct or forward the money to me to do. I say this because the cost of transfering money from USA to England in small amounts could be expensive. Anyone any ideas? Keith Hume