George Edward Cokayne

George Edward Cokayne (1825–1911) was a prominent British genealogist and heraldic officer, best known for authoring 'G. E. C.'s Complete Peerage' (1887-1898) and 'G. E. C.'s Complete Baronetage' (1900-1906), which established him as a leading authority on British peerage.[1][2] Born as George Edward Adams, the fourth son of William Adams, LL.D., and the Hon. Mary Anne Cockayne, he changed his surname to Cokayne in 1873 by royal licence and held positions at the College of Arms, rising to Clarenceux King of Arms in 1894.[1][2][5] He was a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and died at Exeter House, Roehampton, London.[1]