MI5 might be a modern department, but our government spies are nothing new.  In the fifteenth century, a lot of diplomacy was the hands of heralds.

Heralds were used literally to herald a diplomatic party – to act as messengers and to announce the party’s arrival.  They could also be used to sort out lodgings and safe-conducts, and for other menial tasks.  In 1472, Bluemantle Pursuivant accompanied one of Edward IV’s ambassadors, William Hatclyff to ‘wayte vpon hym’.  Sometimes, however, heralds were ambassadors.  In 1480, Edward IV sent Clarenceux King of Arms on a mission to Denmark.  The picturesquely-named Rose Blanche Pursuivant was sent by Edward IV to the Emperor Maximilian in 1482.

As messengers, heralds could be called on to deliver declarations of war.  When it came to the battlefield itself, heralds were to be found going to and fro between sides and soldiers.  There’s a lovely description of French and English heralds standing together after the Battle of Agincourt, counting the dead.  So, the heralds were a sort of mediaeval Foreign Office.  They could double as spies, being engaged on secret missions.  And you thought heraldry was just a load of shields.

 The busy nature of kings’ courts meant that they were perfect for spying.  Imagine a palace, such as Windsor.  In the Great Hall, servants are preparing for tonight’s feast.  Random nobles, English and foreign, are wandering everywhere about the palace and its extensive gardens (full of hedges for whispering behind).  Heralds are putting the final touches on tomorrow’s joust.  The Chapel Royal is rehearsing for a joint service by the royal English and Burgundian choirs and clergy.

Let’s linger in the Chapel a moment.  It’s well-known that Renaissance composers travelled all over Europe – Josquin des Prez (from Flanders), for example, worked for many years in Italy.  And whenever a king visited another, he’d take his chapel choir with him.  What could be more natural, therefore, for kings to use composers as spies?  After all, who would suspect a harmless musician?!

This vast wealth of diplomats and spies of the fifteenth century should be better-known – they are crying out for novels to be written about them.  Budding writers, take note.

Written for the Chesterton History Magazine. Thanks to Dr. Ed Meek for the use of his thesis on 15^th-century diplomacy.

Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria celebrates being made a Knight of the Garter (1523).  Round the table are Lord Morley, Sir William Hussey, the Archdeacon of Colchester and Garter King of Arms.  A choir provides entertainment.

Find out more about heralds at the College of Arms

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