Understanding the English Coat of Arms: A Historical Overview
The English Coat of Arms has a rich and storied history, deeply intertwined with the identity of the British monarchy and its ruling families. The iconic design has evolved over time to reflect the changing dynamics of the UK, including its formation and its various constituent parts. This article provides an in-depth look at the components of the English arms, their meanings, and their significance within the broader context of British heraldry.
The Symbolism of the Royal Arms of England
The Royal Arms of England are beautifully described as:
Gules three lions passant guardant in pale or armed and langued azure.
These gold lions on a red background represent the house of Plantagenet, the royal house that ruled England during the Middle Ages and beyond. This heraldic design has been a symbol of English sovereignty for centuries, changing and adapting to reflect the evolving political landscape.
Legitimate Claim to the Throne
Historically, the arms are associated with the motto:
Dieu et mon droit: 'God and my right'
Honi soit qui mal y pense: 'Shame on him who thinks ill of it'
The phrase Dieu et mon droit is the official English royal motto, symbolizing the crucial relationship between the monarch and the divine right to rule. The motto Honi soit qui mal y pense also appears on the coat of arms, embodying a sense of integrity and honor.
Myth vs Reality
These mottos and their meanings are often misunderstood; the seemingly nonsensical translation from the French phrase 'Honest sweat makes smelly pants' is commonly taught in schools, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the actual significance of heraldic mottos. Similarly, the school motto 'Dictum Meum Pactum' ('My word is my bond') is not recommended for public discourse, as its intended meaning can be lost in translation.
The Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom
The current Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, used by the Queen and the royal family, includes elements from the constituent countries of the UK—England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The coat of arms is a composite of symbols representing these nations, each with their own unique heraldic history and significance.
England
The Royal Arms of England consists of three gold lions on a red field, symbolizing the Plantagenet lineage. Other elements include:
The Globe - representing the monarch's global authority
The Tudor Rose - a symbol of the Tudor dynasty that once ruled
The Cerce - a portcullis representing the House of Commons
The shield is quartered, with the first and fourth quarters bearing the arms of England, while the second and third quarters display the arms of Scotland, Ireland, and the Crown of the United Kingdom.
Scotland
The Scottish version of the Royal Arms is similar but with the positions of the Scottish and English elements reversed. The lion of England is now in the second quarter, while the unicorn of Scotland is in the first quarter. The thistle and harp remain in the third and fourth quarters, symbolizing Scotland and Ireland, respectively.
Irish and Welsh Symbols
The Royal Arms also incorporate symbols representing Ireland and its native flora, such as the gold harp and shamrock, as well as the thistle, which is a national emblem of Scotland. Wales is not directly represented, as it was never a single state with its own coat of arms prior to its annexation by England.
Pop Culture and Modern Usage
The Royal Coat of Arms continues to be a significant symbol in British culture and appears on various official documents, such as Acts of Parliament, coins, and passports. It is also displayed in the royal household, and businesses supplying the royal family may use a royal warrant, allowing them to place the arms on packaging and other promotional materials. In modern times, the royal standard, based on the shield of the coat of arms, is flown from flagpoles when the monarch is in residence.
Conclusion
The English Coat of Arms is a dynamic and evolving symbol that reflects the rich history and diverse cultural heritage of the United Kingdom. Its significance extends beyond mere aesthetics, embodying the values, traditions, and authority of the monarchy. Understanding the components and meanings of this heraldic design provides valuable insight into the cultural, historical, and political landscapes of Great Britain.