There has been a church in Linton since Saxon times (850 AD) and the present church contains many ancient features such as a Norman font and arches. The church has been modified and extended several times, including a major Victorian restoration in 1861, which created the distinctive squat belfry with its carillon of four bells. I can't find much information about this coat of arms on the wall, but it makes an impressive feature. It relates to King George III. I believe that at one time churches had a statutory duty to display the royal coat of arms as a sign of loyalty to the crown and to the sovereign as Supreme Head of the Church of England.
Quite striking!
ReplyDeleteLiz
Nice photo!
ReplyDeleteYes, these are the arms of George III. The quarterings are England, Scotland, Ireland and England again. The small shield in the middle (known as an escutcheon) is that of Hanover (George was also the "Elector" of Hanover), the thing above the escutcheon is a "bonnet", symbol of an elector. These arms must be dated before 1814 as at that time Hanover became a kingdom and the bonnet was replaced by a crown.
(All the above from "Lines of Succession", Maclagan and Louda, Time Warner, 2002, p29)
If you find any more heraldry please post it! I will link this to the "Heraldry" community on Google+ if you don't mind.
All the best, Karl
That's very interesting Karl, thank you.
DeleteI always like to see that french line on english coats of arms. I gives me the feeling that a small part of me is english! :o)
ReplyDeleteWonderful atmospheric photo especially against the stone walls. Have a great weekend. x
ReplyDelete"The Lion and the Unicorn were fighting for the Crown..." that line from a nursery rhyme popped into my head. . Beautiful! As is Cauldron Falls.
ReplyDelete