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William Courthope

1808 – 1866

English genealogist, writer and Somerset Herald

GenealogistBarrister
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About William Courthope

Lived 1808 – 1866 (aged 57–58). William Courthope was a British genealogist and barrister.

William Courthope (1808 – 13 May 1866) was an English officer of arms, genealogist and writer, Somerset Herald from 1854.

Life The son of Thomas Courthope and his wife Mary, daughter of Thomas Buxton, born 6 May 1808, he was engaged as private clerk by Francis Townsend, Rouge Dragon Pursuivant, in 1824, and entered the office of the College of Arms as clerk in 1833. He was appointed Rouge Croix Pursuivant in 1839, Somerset Herald in 1854, and registrar of the college in 1859.

Courthope was called to the bar as a member of the Inner Temple in 1851, but did not practise. He accompanied several missions sent with the insignia of the Order of the Garter to foreign sovereigns.

Courthope also contributed to Collectanea Topographica et Genealogica and to the Gentleman's Magazine. motto = Court Hope (over 2nd crest). My hope is not broken (below shield). orders = bannerimage = banner = badgeimage = badge = symbolism = previous_versions =

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Important facts

Born
1808
Birth century
Died
1866
Occupation
Genealogist, barrister

People in William Courthope's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Courthope's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Courthope?

English genealogist, writer and Somerset Herald (1808–1866)

When was William Courthope born?

William Courthope was born in 1808.

When did William Courthope die?

William Courthope died in 1866.

What was William Courthope's occupation?

William Courthope was a genealogist and barrister.

What nationality was William Courthope?

William Courthope was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Courthope

· Wikidata: Q16065811

· DBpedia: William Courthope (officer of arms)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Courthope. https://biography.guide/william-courthope/

MLA: "William Courthope." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-courthope/.

Chicago: "William Courthope." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-courthope/.

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