[ANSTHRLD] Odd question I'm unable to find the answer to.

[Lisa Theriot]

Etienne,

The British National Archives (www.nationalarchives.gov.uk) offer the
following information:

***************************************************
Grants to warrant holders of the right to use the royal coat of arms
began in 1830, and were made by the Lord Chamberlain. They are
systematically recorded in the records of that department for Queen
Victoria's reign in LC 5/243-246. Each volume has in internal index.
Such items as furnishings, floor and wall coverings, linens and
stationery were supplied by these tradesmen. The Bill Books in LC 11
contain the original bills presented by tradesmen to the department,
both warrant holders and other suppliers. 

The position of tradesmen supplying goods to the royal household was not
so well-regulated before 1830. There is material among the
Correspondence of the Lord Chamberlain's Department (LC 1) concerning
requests for privileges as suppliers, and discussion of the position of
regular suppliers, occasional suppliers and abuse of the display of the
royal arms. Tradesmen's appointments appear in the Appointment Books,
Series II (LC 3/61-70), among the appointments of salaried and waged
household officers, such as pages and messengers, from 1660-1837.
Unfortunately no appointments of any king were recorded between 1767 and
1773 (LC 3/67, 1760-1793). 

LC 5/197-199 contain orders to tradesmen and for court mourning
(1773-1827). Suppliers of all kinds of goods are named in the series of
Warrant Books LC 5/132-163 (1628-1810). The Accounts (LC 9) and Bill
Books (LC 10 and LC 11) may also reveal suppliers of goods to the
household between 1600 and 1900.

The Lord Steward's Department was responsible for the royal kitchens,
cellars, stables and gardens. Suppliers to the department were appointed
as purveyors. They were often appointed in the place of a previous
purveyor, not to a salary or wage, but to enjoy "rights, profits,
privileges and advantages". Some original warrants to purveyors survive
in the series of Original Warrants, LS 13/246-250 (1761-1782). Other
tradesmen also received this kind of warrant, e.g. cork cutter, wine
chest maker, cake maker. Copies of these warrants were recorded in the
Warrant Books, LS 13/251-267 (1627-1820). From 1674 they are divided
into two series, Royal and Steward's. Warrants to purveyors appear in
the Steward's series.
**************************************

There don't seem to be any actual appointments before 1660.  Note the
worry of "abuse of the display of the royal arms" during the 1700s.  I
don't believe royal warrants to vendors are period.


Adelaide