England

England

England, Armorial insignia of. The Insignia of England are said to have had originally only two lions, but that on the marriage of Henry II. with Eleanor of Aquitaine, another lion for that duchy was then added. They thus appear for the first time on the Great Seal of RICHARD I.; the Seals of the two Williams, as well as of the two preceding Henries, shewing only the reverse side of the shield, and that of Stephen being to all appearance plain. From this time forward they have been recognized as the Arms of England.

Le roy DENGLETER, de goules a treys lepardes de or--[Harl. MS. 6589, temp. HEN. III.]

Le Roy d'ANGLETERRE, porte goules trois leopards d'or--[MS. L. 14, College of Arms, temp. HEN. III.]

Gules, three lions[properly leopards] passant guardant in pale or--Royal Arms of ENGLAND.