England

:For an explanation of often confusing terms like England, (Great) Britain and United Kingdom see British Isles (terminology).

Symbols and insignia

The two traditional symbols of England are the St. George's cross (the English flag) and the Three Lions coat of arms (see above), both derived from the great Norman powers that formed the monarchy - the Cross of Aquitaine and the Lions of Anjou. The three lions were first definitely used by Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) in the late 12th century (although it is also possible that Henry I may have bestowed it on his son Henry before then). Historian Simon Schama has argued that the Three Lions are the true symbol of England because the English throne descended down the Angevin line.

Related Topics:
St. George's cross - English flag - Coat of arms - Aquitaine - Anjou - Richard I - Henry I - Simon Schama - Angevin

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A red cross acted as a symbol for many Crusaders in the 12th and 13th centuries. It became associated with St George and England, along with other countries and cities (such as Georgia, Milan and the Republic of Genoa), which claimed him as their patron saint and used his cross as a banner. It remained in national use until 1707, when the Union Flag (which English and Scottish ships had used at sea since 1606) was adopted for all purposes to unite the whole of Great Britain under a common flag. The flag of England no longer has much of an official role, but it is widely flown by Church of England properties and at sporting events. (Paradoxically, the latter is a fairly recent development; until the late 20th century, it was commonplace for fans of English teams to wave the Union Flag, rather than the St George's Cross).

Related Topics:
Crusaders - St George - Georgia - Milan - Republic of Genoa - Patron saint - Union Flag - Church of England

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The rose is widely recognised as the national flower of England and is used in a variety of contexts. Predominantly, this is a red rose (which also symbolises Lancashire), such as the badge of the English Rugby Union team. However, a white rose (which also symbolises Yorkshire) or a "tudor rose" (symbolising the end of the War of the Roses) may also be used on different occasions.

Related Topics:
Rose - National flower - Lancashire - English Rugby Union team - Yorkshire - Tudor rose - War of the Roses

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Three Lions badge performs a similar role for the English national football team and English national cricket team.

Related Topics:
English national football team - English national cricket team

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~