The British Lion First Roared in French

When William, Duke of Normandy successfully invaded Britain in 1066, his banner displayed two golden lions on a field of red.

The lion became accepted as the royal symbol as William assumed the English throne.

Later, Henry II reduced the lions to a single beast, who was even later joined by two more lions on the flag of Richard (what else) The Lionheart.

The coin at the top of the page, a hammered silver groat of Henry VIII, illustrates the use of what were once French lions, and for that matter, the French fleur-de-lis, by English monarchs.

Lions and Leopards

Heraldry has specific terminology to describe the stance of heraldic animals. The lions that appear on the English coat of arms, and the English and French coins shown above, are walking with three feet upon the ground, looking at the viewer. In heraldry, this position is called “passant regardant”.

The British lion is a “lion passant regardant”. In France, the same heraldic animal, if also in the passant regardant position, is called a leopard.

The Rampant Lion of Scotland

As you can see on the coin above, the Scottish lion is standing up on two legs, in the position heraldry calls “rampant”.




The Henry VIII groat, the Henry VI Noble, and the Charles I Crown images are courtesy of Goldberg Coins & Collectibles. The Henry VI Salut d’Or image is courtesy of Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.