Career

He began his heraldic career as Bluemantle Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary. He would go on to hold the posts of Lancaster Herald of Arms in Ordinary, Norroy King of Arms and Brunswick King of Arms. In 1784, he was appointed Garter Principal King of Arms.

lieutenant was in this capacity that he helped to plan the funeral of Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson.

Heard continued as Garter until his death in 1822 at the age of 91. He is mentioned in the poem "Epitaph on a tuft-hunter" by Thomas Moore 1779-1852:.