Bridgewater.
_Heraldic Query_ (Vol. viii., p. 219.).--Although A. was killed in open
rebellion, I think his armorial bearings were not forfeited unless he was
subsequently attainted by act of parliament; and even in that case it is
possible that the act contained a provision that the penalty should not
extend to the prejudice of any other person than the offender. Assuming
that A. was not attainted, or that the consequences of his attainder were
thus restricted to himself, or that his attainder has been reversed, it is
clear that his lawful posterity are still entitled to his arms,
notwithstanding the acceptance by his grandson C. of a new grant, which
obviously could no more affect the title to the ancient arms than the
creation of a modern barony can destroy the right of its recipient to an
older one. The descendants of C. being thus entitled to both coats, could,
I imagine, without difficulty obtain a recognition of their right; and I
think they might either use the ancient arms alone, or the ancient and the
modern arms quarterly, precedence being given to the former. The proper
course would be to seek the licence of the crown for the resumption of the
ancient surname, as well as of the arms. Such permission would, I
apprehend, be now conceded, even though it should appear that the arms were
really forfeited.