Description: Gilbert Dethick claimed descent from the Dethick's of Derbyshire, although this is disputed and he was probably of Dutch origin. He held the office of Norroy King of Arms (Norroy indicating the area north of the river Trent) under Henry VIII and Edward VI, and was appointed Garter King of Arms in 1550. He was a scholar and antiquary, and several collections of his heraldic papers survive and would eventually rise to the highest heraldic office in England and serve as Garter Principal King of Arms.
He was knighted, aged 72.
This image is one of a collection by the famous local antiquarian, Thomas Bateman, of Middleton by Youlgreave. (1821-1861). Bateman organized his collection by inserting them into a 4 volume copy of Lysons Magna Britannia, Derbyshire, creating a fascinating and unique illustrated record of the county. The purchase of the collection for Derbyshire Libraries was made possible by the generous bequest of Miss Frances Webb of Whaley Bridge, well known local historian, who died in December 2006.