France

France

France: fleurs-de-lis have long been the distinctive bearings of the kingdom of France, and it is to the almost constant wars between that country and our own that its frequent use in English armory is to be attributed.

From the time of King Charles V., 1364-80, the royal insignia of France had but three fleurs-de-lis or. Before his time the escutcheon was semé de lis, which bearing was probably assumed by King Louis(Loys) VII., 1137-80, in allusion to his name.

The Label of France is a frequent expression occuring in old genealogical works; it may signify a label azure semé of fleur-de-lis gold, or charged with three fleurs-de-lis, or again, with three fleurs-de-lis upon each of the five points.

D'azure, semé le lis d'or--Ancient arms of FRANCE.

D'azure a trois fleurs-de-lis d'or--Later arms of FRANCE.

De France, au lambel de trois pendants d'argent--Ducs d'ORLEANS.

England, a label of five points azure, each charged with three fleurs-de-lis or--Edmund PLANTAGENET, [surmounted Crouchback, Earl of Lancaster, &c., second son of HEN. III.]