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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Earl Marshal
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An officer of state who is head of the *College of Arms and is responsible for all major ceremonial events, such as coronations and royal marriages and funerals. From 1316 the post was held mainly by the earls and dukes of Norfolk, and since 1672 it has been hereditary in their family. By a paradox of history their religion, as Britain's leading Roman Catholic family, made it impossible for them to fulfil their high office until the *Emancipation Act of 1829.
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