Coat of arms of the City of London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coat of arms of the City of London |
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Stylised version, used as a logo by the City of London
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| Armiger | City of London Corporation |
| Adopted | 1381 |
| Crest | On a wreath argent and gules a dragon's sinister wing argent charged on the underside with a cross throughout gules |
| Blazon | Argent a cross gules, in the first quarter a sword in pale point upwards of the last |
| Supporters | On either side a dragon argent charged on the undersides of the wings with a cross throughout gules |
| Motto | Domine dirige nos (Lord guide us) |
The coat of arms of the City of London is a special symbol for the City of London. It's like a unique badge or emblem that represents this historic part of Greater London. This coat of arms has been used by the City of London Corporation since 1381. It helps people recognize the City of London and its long history.
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What is a Coat of Arms?
A coat of arms is a unique design that represents a person, family, city, or organization. Think of it as a special logo or badge. These designs often have symbols that tell a story about who they belong to. They can show important events, beliefs, or features of the place or group.
The City of London's Special Symbol
The City of London's coat of arms has several interesting parts. Each part has a meaning. It helps tell the story of this famous city.
The Shield and Its Design
The main part of the coat of arms is the shield. On the shield, you will see a red cross on a white background. This red cross is known as Saint George's Cross. It is the national flag of England.
In the top left corner of the shield, there is a red sword pointing upwards. This sword is often thought to represent the sword of Saint Paul. Saint Paul is the patron saint of London. This means he is a special protector or guide for the city.
Dragons: The Supporters
On either side of the shield, there are two white dragons. These dragons are called "supporters" because they look like they are holding up the shield. Each dragon has a red cross on the underside of its wings.
These dragons are important symbols for the City of London. You can often see them on boundary markers. These markers show where the City of London begins and ends.
The Motto: "Lord Guide Us"
Below the shield, there is a ribbon with a Latin phrase written on it. This phrase is the motto of the City of London. The motto says "Domine dirige nos".
In English, "Domine dirige nos" means "Lord guide us". A motto is like a short saying or slogan. It expresses an important idea or belief. This motto shows the City of London's hope for guidance.
Where Can You See It?
You can see the City of London's coat of arms in many places around London. It is displayed on important buildings like Guildhall. Guildhall is the home of the City of London Corporation.
You can also find it on famous landmarks such as Tower Bridge. It is even on smaller items like coal-tax posts and pub signs. The coat of arms is a constant reminder of the City of London's rich history and traditions.
Images for kids
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Arms above the southern entrance to Guildhall, by George Dance (1788), surmounted by a "Muscovy hat" rather than a helm and crest
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Arms on seal of 1539
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On Tower Bridge
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On the walkway of Tower Bridge
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City boundary marker: a single dragon supporter holds the shield of arms
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Plain shield on a coal-tax post
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On a saddle blanket, photographed at the Lord Mayor's Show, 2011
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On a pub sign near Hammersmith Bridge
See also
In Spanish: Escudo de la City de Londres para niños
