William Dethick

Sir William Dethick (c. 1542–1612) was a long-serving officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. He was the son of Sir Gilbert Dethick and followed his father as Garter Principal King of Arms. Though he was adjudged a qualified armorist and antiquarian, Dethick's biography is notable for numerous instances of conflict with his colleagues and others. Heraldic career William Dethick was educated at St John's College, Cambridge. He was appointed Rouge Croix Pursuivant of Arms in 1567 and York Herald of Arms in 1570. His father and predecessor as Garter, Sir Gilbert Dethick died in March, 1584. The office of Garter was held vacant for two years, during which time Clarenceux King of Arms Robert Cook served as interim Garter. On 21 April 1586, William Dethick was appointed Garter. In May 1604, William Dethick was sent by King James to Frederick I, Duke of Württemberg with Sir Robert Spencer. They presented jewels including two garters with diamonds and rubies, and two St Georges with diamonds and rubies, and a gold chain or collar, made by the London goldsmiths, John Spilman and William Herrick. Personal character Biographers note that Dethick was embroiled in strife throughout his career to a degree notable even for his time period, including numerous accusations of physical assault. In 1573, Mary White, the wife of Chester Herald, reported that Dethick assaulted her with a coal basket and rubbed hot ashes into her hair. He was also reported to have attacked his father with his fists, stabbed his elder brother, and stabbed another man while at a funeral in Westminster Abbey.