Kings' Pillar, Arms of France

Category

Library Item

Item no

3118

Title

Kings' Pillar, Arms of France

Description

The capital of a pillar in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh has a coat of arms showing three fleur-de-lis as a motif. There is other carved stone decoration around the pillar, this includes heads.

Artist / maker

Ross, Thomas

Date

1890

Size

16.5 x 21.5 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The three fleurs-de-lis have been a central part of the French coat of arms since the 14th century. The fleur-de-lis is a stylised lily or iris. In the French of coat of arms, it is believed that the three fleurs-de-lis represent the three main medieval societies: those who fought, those who worked and those who prayed. It is used frequently in modern French society and symbolism, depsite never having been adopted officially by any French republic.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Coats of arms

Architecture > Architectural features > Columns

Architecture > Architectural features > Stone carvings

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Protestant churches

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