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