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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Earl Marshal of England
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A quick definition of Earl Marshal of England:
The Earl Marshal of England is a very important person who used to have power over many courts, including ones that dealt with chivalry and honor. They were also a judge in a court called the Marshalsea court, which doesn't exist anymore. The Earl Marshal is part of the herald's office, which is also known as the college of arms. This office has been around for a very long time and has been passed down through one family since 1672. Sometimes people call the Earl Marshal just "Earl Marshal." An earl's penny is a type of money that used to be given as part of a payment, and it's also called an earles-penny.
A more thorough explanation:
The Earl Marshal of England is a high-ranking official who historically had authority over several courts, including the court of chivalry and the court of honor. This office is quite old and has been hereditary in the family of Howards, Dukes of Norfolk since 1672. The Earl Marshal was also a judge of the Marshalsea court, which no longer exists. The herald's office, or college of arms, falls under the jurisdiction of the Earl Marshal.
When a nobleman was accused of breaking the rules of chivalry, the case would be brought before the court of chivalry, which was presided over by the Earl Marshal of England. The Earl Marshal would also oversee the herald's office, which was responsible for granting coats of arms and other heraldic symbols.
Another example of the Earl Marshal's authority was the earl's penny, which was a small amount of money given as part payment or earnest. This payment was often made to the Earl Marshal as a sign of loyalty or fealty to the crown.