Clarenceux refers to a heraldic office in England, responsible for granting coats of arms. The spelling of "Clarenceux" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "Clar-", is pronounced with a long "a" sound ([kleər]) followed by a "r" sound ([r]). The second syllable, "-enceux", begins with an "eh" sound ([ɛ]), followed by a "n" sound ([n]), a "s" sound ([s]), and a final "uh" sound ([əks]). The resulting pronunciation is [kleər-ɛns-uhks].
Clarenceux is a term with historical significance particularly in England. It refers to the title of Clarenceux King of Arms, which is one of the three principal officers of arms in the College of Arms. The College of Arms is a royal corporation responsible for the granting of armorial bearings, genealogical and heraldic research, and maintaining registers of coats of arms and pedigrees.
Clarenceux King of Arms is the senior provincial officer of arms in England, ranking below the Garter Principal King of Arms and the Norroy and Ulster King of Arms. The title "Clarenceux" originated from the English noble title of Duke of Clarence, which was created by King Edward III in the 14th century.
The role of Clarenceux King of Arms is primarily concerned with heraldic matters. This includes the granting and designing of coats of arms, regulating the use of heraldic symbols, and conducting genealogical research to establish or confirm lineage and ancestry. Clarenceux's responsibilities also extend to the organization and officiating of ceremonial events where heraldry plays a significant role, such as coronations, state funerals, and royal weddings.
The Clarenceux King of Arms holds a position of prestige and authority within the College of Arms, wielding significant influence on matters of heraldry and genealogy in England.
The word "Clarenceux" is derived from the title "Clarence Herald".
The term "Clarence Herald" was originally used in England to refer to an officer of arms, more specifically one of the heralds in the College of Arms. The title itself is associated with the Dukedom of Clarence, which was created in the 14th century and has been held by various members of the English royal family over the years.
The name "Clarence" in this context is believed to have originated from the fiefdom of Clare in Normandy, France. When the family associated with this territory came to England during the Norman Conquest, they took on the name "de Clare" and eventually held the titles of Earls of Gloucester, Hertford, and eventually Dukes of Clarence.