Inheraldry, theroyal badges of England comprise theheraldic badges that were used by the monarchs of theKingdom of England.
Heraldic badges are distinctive to a person or family, similar to thearms and thecrest. But unlike them, the badge is not an integral component of acoat of arms, although they can be displayed alongside them. Badges are in fact complete and independent and can be displayed alone. Furthermore, unlike the arms and crest, which are personal devices that could only be displayed by the owner, the badge could be easily borne by others, in the form of a cognizance or livery badge, to be worn by retainers and adherents. Badges are displayed on standards and personal objects, as well as on private and public buildings to show ownership orpatronage.[1]
Royal badges have been in use since the earliest stages ofEnglish heraldry. They are invariably simple devices, and numerous examples were adopted and inherited by various sovereigns. These are found in the glass and fabric of royal palaces and memorial chapels, and sometimes in the houses of those who enjoyed or anticipated royal patronage.[2]
The earliest royal heraldic badge is asprig of common broom, said to have been worn byGeoffrey of Anjou in his cap. The broom plant orPlantegenest (planta genista in medieval Latin), thus became Geoffrey's nickname; "Plantagenet".[3] The heraldic device also became the name of the dynasty that was borne from him, which was to rule England for over 300 years. The Plantagenet kings would use this badge, sometimes combining it with other more personal devices.[3] KingHenry II used the 'planta genista' as well as anescarbuncle.[4] KingRichard I used a star and crescent device, which was also adopted by his brother KingJohn. KingHenry III adopted the broom sprig and the star and crescent. His sonEdward I in addition to these, added the golden rose device that he inherited from his mother Eleanor of Provence. KingEdward II further added the golden castle ofCastile, inherited from his motherEleanor of Castile.[2]
It was actuallyRichard of York, 3rd Duke of York who adopted the Plantagenet name for him and his descendants in the 15th century. It is obscure why Richard chose the name but it emphasised Richard's hierarchal status as Geoffrey's, and six English kings', patrilineal descendant during theWars of the Roses. The retrospective usage of the name for all Geoffrey's male descendants became popular in theTudor era, probably encouraged by the added legitimacy it gave Richard's great-grandson, KingHenry VIII of England.[5]
Badges came into general use by the reign of KingEdward III. The king himself deployed many badges alluding to his lineage, as well as new personal devices.[6]
| Monarch (Reign) | Badges[7][8] | Examples |
|---|---|---|
 House of Plantagenet (1154–1399) | ||
 Henry II (1154–1189) |
| |
 Richard I (1189–1199) |
|  |
.jpg) John (1199–1216) |
| |
 Henry III (1216–1272) |
| |
 Edward I (1272–1307) |
|  |
 Edward II (1307–1327) |
| |
.jpg) Edward III (1327–1377) |
|    |
.jpg) Richard II (1377–1399) |
|     |
 House of Lancaster (1399–1461) | ||
.jpg) Henry IV (1399–1413) |
|     |
 Henry V (1413–1422) |
|    |
.jpg) Henry VI (1422–1461) |
|   |
 House of York (1461–1485) | ||
 Edward IV (1461–1483) |
|     |
 Edward V (1483) |
| |
 Richard III (1483–1485) |
|   |
 House of Tudor (1485–1603) | ||
 Henry VII (1485–1509) |
|      |
 Henry VIII (1509–1547) |
|  |
 Edward VI (1547–1553) |
| .svg) |
 Mary I (1553–1558) |
|    |
 Elizabeth I (1558–1603) |
|   |
 House of Stuart (1603–1649) | ||
 James I (1603–1625) |
| .svg)  .svg)  |
.jpg) Charles I (1625–1649) |
| |
 Interregnum (1649–1660) | ||
| House of Stuart(Restored) (1660–1707) | ||
.jpg) Charles II (1660–1685) |
|  .svg){kind=icon}  |
 James II (1685–1688) |
| |
 William III andMary II (1689–1694) |
| |
 William III (1689–1702) |
| |
 Anne (1702–1707) |
|  |
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link){{cite book}}:ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)Royal heraldry in the United Kingdom | ||
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | .svg) | |
| England | ||
| Scotland | ||
| Wales | ||