Leeds Castle “I Spy” Heraldry Trail
Heraldry is a means of identification, and in the very beginning was a way of identifying a knight on the battlefield. Each knight had his very own design painted on his shield and sewn on his banner and surcoat. The pattern, colours and symbols of each design became associated with the knights’ families as their “logo” and only they could use them. The term ‘coat of arms’ probably comes from the surcoat, which was a long tunic worn over his armour.
In this room, called the Heraldry Room, the coats of arms of all the families who have owned Leeds Castle are displayed.
Follow the timeline and see how the English royal arms developed from a simple gold lion to the United Kingdom arms, which include the symbols for Scotland, (red lion) Ireland, (Harp) and sometimes France as well.
1. Can you find the queen that this coat of arms belonged to?
Now carry on through the castle to look for more heraldic shields and coats of arms.
2. Queen’s Room
Above the fireplace is the Arms of Catherine of Valois. It is in a lozenge (diamond) shape to show that she was a widow. Her husband, King Henry V had been the King of England, as depicted by the lions and the Fleur de Lys is for her father, King Charles VI of France. When two Coats of Arms are put side by side like this it is called “impalement” and shows a marriage.
3. Queen’s Bathroom
Royalty and Noble people often carved their symbols in their homes, on door frames, fireplaces, walls etc. here you can see a shield carved on the stone fireplace. Leeds Castle “I Spy” Heraldry Trail
4. Queen’s Gallery 5 . H e n r y V I I I B a n q u e t i n g Hall
The Coat of Arms of Eleanor A Shield supported on either side of Castile on a fireback
6. The Chapel 7 . T h e S p i r a l S t a i r c a s e
The coat of arms of the Benedictine A wooden Crusader carrying his shield Priory Of Christchurch, Canterbury
8. Lady Baillie’s Dressing Room 9. Inner Hall - bottom of staircase
Lady Baillie’s father was president The coat of arms of a Spanish Grandee of the Royal Society of St George We hope that you have enjoyed your I Spy trail.