Obituary: Sir Peter Gwynn-Jones

Published on Tuesday 7 September 2010 20:15

Sir Peter Gwynn-Jones, Garter Principal King of Arms. Born: 12 March, 1940, in Tanfield House, Yorkshire. Died: 21 August, 2010, in London, aged 70.

SIR Peter Gwynn-Jones struck an imposing figure as Garter Principal King of Arms. Squarely built and with a commanding manner that occasionally touched pomposity, he took seriously his post as chief herald of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Effectively chief executive of the College of Arms (the analogy being that the Duke of Norfolk as Earl Marshal of England is chairman), he introduced 21st century business methods and heraldic design to an organisation that in some ways had changed little since incorporation in 1485.

Not all of the dozen heralds and pursuivants under his charge were comfortable with his new ways, in particular his introduction of computer technology and heraldic design bearing emphasis on geometric symmetry. But his efforts bore fruit in successfully putting the books of the college back into the black.

As Garter (a post lesser than but not unlike that of the Lord Lyon), Gwynne-Jones proved an enthusiast for his subject. When appointed in 1995, he was already a devotee of new technology, and his 15-year reign until retirement in March this year saw a mushrooming in growth in applications for arms from individuals, much of this stemming from his own efforts to widen heraldic usage. A prolific heraldic designer - devising arms brought income to the college - Sir Peter was personally involved in the creation of nearly 1,000 coats of arms for individuals and corporate bodies, as well as for the island of Tristan da Cunha.

A born modernist, he relished good contemporary design, his early background in maths and science being evidenced in his taste for geometric configuration. His own armss - a symmetrical shield of interlaced diagonals in red, silver and black - reflected this.

Judicially, the writ of Garter does not run north of the Tweed, England and Scotland remaining heraldically foreign nations. Possibly in keeping with such a tradition, his relations with Scotland reflected his own description of himself as "a crusty old bachelor" - and indeed, he refused to attend the International Heraldic and Genealogical Congress in St Andrews in 2006 on the grounds that it interfered with his annual holiday in Thailand.

Peter Llewellyn Gwynn-Jones came from Coity in Glamorgan. He took pride in using his Welsh motto, Dyfalbara, meaning "persevere". An early question in his reign concerned representation of Wales in the Royal Arms, though his explanation that Wales was already represented as a principality within the kingdom of England created ire among Welsh nationalists.

He left Wellington College intending to make a career in science, working for a time with Unilever. But his consuming interest in history and genealogy created an opening for him at the College of Arms in 1967, with his talents ultimately being employed in the offices of Colin Cole (later Sir Colin, Garter) and Sir Anthony Wagner as Garter.

Gwynn-Jones brought considerable business ability into play when appointed House Comptroller at the College in 1983, instigating a highly successful fundraising scheme for much-needed restoration of the historic City property in Queen Victoria Street.

For all his consuming interest in rank, styles and titles, Gwynn-Jones himself initially proved reluctant to take over the top role when Sir Conrad Swan unexpectedly resigned as Garter in 1995, initially turning down an approach to take up the post. Ultimately persuaded, he only agreed to on a temporary basis - a role that ultimately lasted 15 years.

As Garter, he approved titles of new peers and represented the Queen at their introduction to the House of Lords. A colourful sight in his regalia and heavy tabard, he introduced some 400 new peers to their seats. He was knighted in the recent New Year's Honour List.

A keen traveller, he prided himself on having visited every state in the USA.

GORDON CASELY