Why a lion?

[sarahjessie]

What is the significance of the lion in British history? Why is the lion on the Royal Famly coat of arms?   My Australian friend has asked me why our rugby team touring Australia is called The Lions and also the significance of the lion on football shirts (I'm afraid to say I couldn't answer him).

[sarahjessie]

Sorry - meant touring New Zealand!!

[Octavius]

The Three Lions Crest - Richard the Lionheart (1189 - 1199) used the three golden lions on their scarlet background as a powerful symbol of the English Throne during the time of the Crusades. Here is some information there is also a further history link about halfway down the page:

 http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/motto.html

The Lions (rugby) name was coined during the inter-war period, when the emblem on the players' jersey and lapel badges gave them their alternative title.  They used to be the British Isles Rugby Union Team.

[Peter Pedant]

yeah I agree -brought back by Richard I along with proper castles, sugar oranges and so on

 

PP

[jake-the-peg]

Actually it's a case of inflation - His father Henry had one

http://www.fleurdelis.com/royal.htm

[mongos bird]

Not sure of the significance of the lion however there were originally only two lions on the sheild.  It wasn't until Henry II married Ealinor of Aquitaine in the mid 12th centry he added the third lion, called Aquitaine,  in her honour.  Then he went on to have a bit of a tiff with Thomas a Beckett, created the judicial system and Common Law, invaded Ireland and fell out with his wife and sons!  

Here endeth the history lesson.

[El Syd]

Yup ,  three lions , and with each Test win/loss the munber changes...........opps , now there are two.