"Because of their knowledge of armorial bearings, Heralds were required to recognize and announce contestants at tournaments and it soon became their responsibility to organize and referee these events. Because of the social nature of the event and the desire by everyone to put on a good display, Heralds were necessary to advise would-be contestants about the choice of armorial bearings that they could use. They were able to make sure that no one chose the arms of another, already in use.

"People came to them for advice on Heraldic matters and they began to keep lists of all the armorial bearings used at different tournaments, gatherings and battles and of the people who bore them. These lists were collected on long rolls of parchment and were called Rolls of Arms, or simply Rolls. Many of these have survived and they provide a valuable record of early Heraldry. Because the Heralds became so involved in the study and recording of Coats of Arms and in advising and adjudicating on matters relating to them, the business became known as Heraldry. In England the Heralds were incorporated by royal charter in 1484. Since people continued to assume Coats of Arms, without having them registered and recorded at the College, disputes frequently arose over who was the actual owner of a Coat of Arms. Consequently, the Heralds were required to tour the country and record all Coats of Arms, so that they could be registered and disputes be settled. Most of these visitations, as they were called, took place in the 16th century. They form the basis upon which ownership of arms is proved today. The records, however, are not complete, for those were stormy times in England, and in some instances people were unable to answer the call of the visiting Herald, because they were confined to their place of residence. The motive of the Visitation may often have been political and not strictly for the well-being of heraldry. It was a worthwhile exercise for sovereigns to record their supporters and disqualify those who could not support them."