In his professional capacity his qualifications were high and he was judged by his peers a skillful herald, but he was a constant transgressor. As York Herald, he confirmed arms under his own seal, thus usurping the prerogative of the Kings of Arms.
Despite being recognized as a skilled herald by his colleagues, this individual repeatedly violated protocol. During his tenure as York Herald, he issued arms using his own seal, effectively bypassing the King's official armory.