Arms of English Peers Playing Cards, 1688

he Arms of English Peers playing cards were first published in 1688. Heraldry, or a knowledge of the arms and blazons of royalty and aristocracy, was an important part of a respectable education. Three editions of the pack are known.

The arms of the peers are arranged according to rank in each suit: archbishops and dukes are superior to earls and barons. It has been suggested that the cards were composed by one Gregory King. A facsimile is from the range published by Harry Margary.   See also: Knavery of the Rump.

Cards from the facsimile edition courtesy Giles de Margary.
Packs can be ordered directly from www.harrymargary.com