Lion Rampant - Heraldry, Chivalry & Renaissance Gallery of Medallions

Lion Rampant

The heraldic lion was originally found in only one attitude, namely, erect with one hind paw on the ground, the other three paws being raised, the head facing forward and shown in profile and the tail erect.

The symbol of a lion has been used as a heraldic device for many centuries by Scottish Kings. William I of Scotland ( 1165 - 1214 ) was known as 'The Lion', after he introduced the lion symbol into his coat of arms.

The Scottish lion has always been shown, on the royal shield, as being Rampant, ie: shown standing erect on the hind legs with the head in profile and forelegs extended.

There is a suggestion that perhaps the Kings of Scotland kept a real lion when in residence at the castles of Stirling and Edinburgh. Both castles have a building within the walls known as ' The Lions Den'.

Heraldry, Chivalry & Renaissance Gallery | Back | Next