Boringdon Magazine 004 web - BOR - Nov 2019

Boringdon Tales
GREAT HALL ROYAL COAT OF ARMS
The concept of a coat of arms grew quickly with great
men throughout Europe decorating their shields with
designs unique to their family, this was to become
known as Heraldry and evolved mainly in the 12th
century. It was in 1197 that Richard I, known as
Coeur de Lion (Lion Heart) after his exploits in the
crusade, adopted the arms of three gold lions on a red
shield as the Royal arms of England. 800 years later
they are still there on the present Royal coat of arms
representing England.
In 1337 King Edward III in support of his claim to
the French throne incorporated the French Royal arms
of three gold fleur-de-lis on a blue shield into his.
The French arms remained on the English Royal arms
until 1801, interestingly just a few years before Nelson
disposed of the French fleet and Wellington finally
ended Napoleon’s exploits.
In 1603 King James VI of Scotland became James I,
also the King of England and so the United Kingdom
was created.
To represent this in the Royal arms, the Royal arms of
Scotland was incorporated. This consists of a red lion
rampant within a border which heraldically is termed
a “double tressure fleury-counter-fleury.”
At the same time Ireland was represented for the first
time by the gold harp with silver strings on a blue
background which completeted the royal coat of arms.
The coat features both the motto of British monarchs
Diev Et Mon Droit (God and my right) and the
motto of the Order of the Garter, Honi Soit Qui
Mal Y Pense (shamed be he who thinks ill of it) on a
representation of the Garter behind the shield.
These arms were first used by James I of England and
by his fateful son Charles I and his grandsons Charles
II and James II.
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All visitors to Boringdon Hall will immediately notice
the great mantle above the fire place in the Great Hall
depicting the coat of arms of King James I. It bears the
date 1640 and is ornamented with the figures Peace
and Plenty.
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