Welcome Stephen - apology accepted.

<<... his post did come across as rather "punchy".>>
Ah, so ................. It was intended that way!
A lot depends on which side of the bed I get out of each day ;-))

<<In England & Wales the legislation for visitations may still be on the Statute book somewhere.>>
I think that you will find that the Visitations were carried out either by Letters Patent or a Royal Warrant/Commission, not under any statute law.

<<Remember that even the Heralds at the College of Arms, London have to grant Arms to make a living. >>
When did this momentous change occur? My late Father's arms were granted under the warrant of the Earl Marshal, not by a Herald!

Rgds,