It was customary for a reigning queen of England to have a personalized badge which was engraved through-out the royal palaces and residences in the country. Anne's badge however, was much different that any that came before her or after. The badge of Catherine of Aragon was a pomegranate; which symbolized fertility. Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and CatherineParr all had flowery badges containing images of obedient women. Anne's badge on the other hand contained a crowned falcon. The falcon was a symbol of power, patience and beauty. Three adjectives I believe would accurately describe Anne. She chose the badge with obvious care for its design and implications.
What is with the flowers in the talons of the falcon?
ReplyDeleteThe flowers are representative of the white and red roses which were the symbols of the Plantagenate houses of York and Lancaster. Henry VII, father of Henry VIII was of the Lancastrian line while his wife was Elizabeth of York. Their union brought about a fragile peace between the families that had been warring for control of the English throne for many years. By incorporating both red and white flowers into her badge, Anne was acknowledging the peace established by the Tudor dynasty.
ReplyDeleteWhy is the falcon standing on a stump? It is not very attractive...
ReplyDeleteThe stump or "woodstock" is a very old symbol of royalty in England. Incorporating the stump in her badge would've been representative of Henry's right to the English throne as well as the inheritance of her future children.It suggests that Anne was very aware of the murmuring amongst the crowd about return of the civil war if Henry did not produce a male heir.
ReplyDelete