This position was held by Ulster King of Arms, Ireland's chief heraldic official, a post which had been created in 1552.
Sir William Betham (1779-1853) was the Ulster King of Arms and can be considered a fairly reliable source as such.
After his death, the Irish abroad were obliged to apply to Ulster King of Arms for grants.
D., Ulster King of Arms, London, 1883, p. 4.
In 1853 Burke was appointed Ulster King of Arms.
The first visitation was held by Nicholas Narbon, the second Ulster King of Arms, in 1569.
His father was also an elder half-brother to Ulster King at Arms, William Hawkins.
In 1552, Bartholomew Butler was created Ulster King of Arms.
Ulster King of Arms in 1884.
Sir William Betham (1779-1853) was the Ulster King of Arms from 1820 until his death in 1853.