English, 1439. The oldest known surviving English patent of arms. Illuminated document granting arms and sealed by William Bruges, Garter King of Arms. Illumination is quite extensive by heraldic standards. Border consistant with English illumination of the first quarter of the 15th century. Initial features the Virgin Mary crowned as the Queen of Heaven. Arms being granted at top center of border, supported by two angels. Written in French, documentary bastarda hand.

Appears in British Heraldry from it's Origins to ca. 1800 by R, Marks and A. Payne, British Museum Publications Lmtd, London, 1978. Small, short book containing descriptions of a variety of heraldic manuscripts and documents, very like an exhibition catalogue.

See also Document 24 for a scan from this reference.