Albert Woods

Sir Albert William Woods, GCVO, KCB, KCMG, KGStJ, FSA (April 16, 1816–January 7, 1904) was an English officer of arms. The Woods family has a firm tradition at the College of Arms. Albert Woods was the son of Sir William Woods, Garter Principal King of Arms from 1838 until his death in 1842. Likewise, the grandson of Albert Woods was Sir Gerald Woods Wollaston, who also rose to the rank of Garter Principal King of Arms and served there from 1930 until 1944.

[edit] Heraldic career

Woods' first heraldic appointment came in 1837 when he served as Fitzalan Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary at the coronation of Queen Victoria. In 1838 Woods became a member of the chapter of the College of Arms when he was appointed Portcullis Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary. After a short appointment as Norfolk Herald of Arms Extraordinary, Woods was promoted to the office of Lancaster Herald of Arms in Ordinary in 1841. This position was held until 1869, when he was appointed Garter Principal King of Arms, a position he held until his death 35 years later.

From 1866, Woods was registrar of the College of Arms. At his appointment as Garter Principal King of Arms, he was also named the King of Arms of the Order of St Michael and St George. In 1878, he was made registrar of the Order of the Star of India and the Order of the Indian Empire. Woods also officiated at the coronations both of Queen Victoria and of King Edward VII.

Heraldic offices
Preceded by James Pulman	Portcullis Pursuivant 1838–1841	Succeeded by George William Collen
Preceded by Sir George Frederick Beltz	Lancaster Herald 1841–1869	Succeeded by George Edward Cokayne
Preceded by Sir Charles George Young	Garter King of Arms 1869–1904	Succeeded by Sir Alfred Scott Scott-Gatty