The History of the Royal Arms of England

From Allan Barton - The Antiquary

This video traces the history of England and later Great Britain's royal coat of arms. It explains how heraldry emerged in the twelfth century as a way to identify armoured warriors, leading English kings to adopt distinctive shield designs. It traces the evolution of the royal arms from Henry II’s lion to Richard I’s three lions, introducing key heraldic terms (blazon, tinctures, and animal “attitudes” such as passant guardant). Major political claims drove changes: in 1340 Edward III quartered England’s lions with the French fleur-de-lis to assert his claim to France, later adopting “France Modern.” The piece then describes the development of the full royal “achievement of arms,” adding the helm, crown and crest, supporters, the Garter, and the motto “Dieu et mon droit.” Further redesigns followed the 1603 union with Scotland (adding Scotland and Ireland and the unicorn), the 1707 union creating Great Britain, and Hanoverian elements after 1714. In 1801 France was dropped; in 1837 Hanover was removed, leaving today’s basic form.