The Royal Arms in use today have evolved over nine centuries. The Royal Arms of England were first used by Richard the Lionheart and remained in use on their own until 1340 when King Edward III quartered them with the ancient Royal Arms of France to symbolise his claim to the French throne. Henry IV changed the French quarter and they remained in this form until the reign of James I, who quartered them with the arms of Scotland and the harp of Ireland. The Hanoverian monarchs, who followed the house of Stuart, included in their arms references to their German possessions. Queen Victoria adopted a simplified form of the Royal Arms which remain to this day. The crown is the symbol of monarchy and sovereignty and as such has appeared in various styles in royal heraldry. It was not until the reign of Charles II that we see the heraldic crown we are familiar with today, which is based on St Edwards crown. The Latin translation around the Coat of Arms reads HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE (Shame be to him who evil thinks). This beautiful tapestry is woven on a jacquard loom by skilled weavers, keeping alive the centuries old tradition of tapestry manufacturing from generation to generation. This tapestry is fully lined incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging with a Hines hanging rod. Alternatively, this tapestry can be hung with a wooden batten which is a concealed method of hanging. Composition: 73% cotton, 19% trevira, 8% mercurise Finish on reverse: This tapestry is fully backed with luxury cotton lining incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging purposes.