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James Balfour Paul Coat of Arms

Painting

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Description

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In this 1901 portrait by Sir James Guthrie, housed in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Sir James Balfour Paul is depicted in the rich ceremonial attire of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

  • Tabard (quarterly): Embroidered with the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom as used in Scotland
    1. First (top left, from viewer's perspective): England, the arms of England (three gold lions passant guardant on red).
    2. Second (top right): Scotland, a red lion rampant within a double tressure flory-counter-flory on gold.
    3. Third (bottom left): Ireland, a gold harp on blue.
    4. Fourth (bottom right): England, Gules, three lions passant guardant in pale Or (i.e., the Royal Arms of England).
  • Baton: He holds the baton of office in his right hand—the traditional hand of authority—signifying his role as Scotland’s chief herald and judge of the Lyon Court.
  • Two medallions: Hanging from gold chains around his neck—likely the badge of his office and a royal portrait medallion. In the upper left of the composition, a shield bearing Paul’s personal coat of arms reinforces his dual identity as both hereditary gentleman and royal officer.
    1. The Thistle, Rose, and Shamrock: Floral emblems of Scotland, England, and Ireland (before 1921). A medallion Or, ensigned with a Royal Crown, having a scroll below inscribed Dieu et mon droit.
      1. Elements:
        • Crown (Sovereign, St Edward's): A jewelled circlet with alternating crosses pattée and fleurs-de-lis, from which rise arches of pearls, meeting beneath an orb and cross finial.
        • Floral order: Thistle, Rose, and Shamrock represent parts of the realm.
        • Motto: A gold scroll-like banner bearing Dieu et mon droit.


    1. Second medallion??
  • Breeches, Stockings, and Court Shoes: Below the tabard, traditional ceremonial dress consisting of knee-length buff or white breeches, tailored and fitted to end just below the knee. These are paired with white stockings (or hose), which cover the calves and were historically worn as separate garments, though modern versions may be integrated or fastened with concealed fittings. The ensemble is completed with black court shoes featuring decorative buckles, typically in polished leather, maintaining the formal style long associated with state and heraldic occasions.

Armorial Stratigraphy of James Balfour Paul and His Achievements

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Heraldic
Armory
and Elements
Personal Heraldry




James Balfour Paul Coat of Arms
  1. Field tincture: Or (gold).
  2. Charges: A chevron indented (zigzag-edged) Sable (black) between two lions rampant in chief, langued and armed Gules, and an escutcheon in base Gules.[1][2]
Governance Heraldry: Escutcheon of Lord Lyon King of Arms
Arms of Lord Lyon King of Arms
Governance Heraldry: Escutcheon and Achievements of the Lord Lyon King of Arms
Achievement of Arms for the Lord Lyon King of Arms (simplified)
     See Heraldic authority § United Kingdom
(the crown, here, is – as of 2003 – different; see note, below)
  1. Heraldic elements (not devices, purely structural) and insignia
    1. Royal Crown of Scotland: A Scottish crown befitting of the authority of the Lord Lyon King of Arms under the Scottish monarchy.
      1. Ermine base: The foundation of the coronet, featuring a white ermine lining with black ermine spots, symbolizing nobility and rank.
      2. Circlet (base of the coronet): A golden (Or) circlet, adorned with an ermine-lined cap and featuring alternating fleur-de-lis and crosses pattée Or, separated by small orbs Or.
      3. Red Cap (Gules): A velvet cap enclosed within the coronet, visible between the golden ornamental elements.
      4. Ornamental upper rim: A golden (Or) arched structure with intricate curling embellishments, providing an elegant flourish to the coronet's design.
      5. Central pointer: A distinct gold ornamental projection on the central vertical band, possibly serving as a decorative feature or symbolic element.
    2. Crest: Atop the crown, sits a lion sejant affronté guardant Or (seated, facing forward, and looking outward), wearing a crown Or, and holding:
      1. In its dexter paw (heraldic right, viewer's left), a sword Or (symbolizing justice and royal authority).
      2. In its sinister paw (heraldic left, viewer's right), a scepter Or (a traditional emblem of sovereignty).
      3. The lion itself is guardant (facing forward), a characteristic commonly associated with Scottish regal imagery. It wears an open arched crown adorned with fleur-de-lis and crosses pattee, resting atop the red cap of maintenance.
    3. Insignia of office (honors and symbols of Lyon's authority, distinct from structural elements).
      1. Batons of office: Two ceremonial batons, positioned in saltire (crossed diagonally) behind the escutcheon, with their ends emerging from behind the chief (top) and base (bottom) of the shield. Each baton is Azure, Semé (scattered) with heraldic symbols, all Or, and tipped Or (gold on the ends).
        • Dexter baton (extending from dexter chief to sinister base): Semé of, from top to bottom: a thistle, a fleur-de-lis, and a Tudor rose (the heraldic emblem of England, symbolizing the union of the Houses of York and Lancaster).
        • Sinister baton (extending from sinister chief to dexter base): Semé of, from top to bottom: a thistle, a Saltire, and a thistle.
      2. Collar of the Order of the Thistle: An ornate golden chain interwoven with thistles and featuring the badge of the Order of the Thistle at the bottom.
      3. Badge of the Order of the Thistle: Featuring St. Andrew holding his saltire, suspended from the collar.
        • Saint Andrew: The patron saint of Scotland, depicted with his traditional diagonal cross.
        • The Saltire (St. Andrew’s Cross): A defining symbol of Scotland, which also appears on the national flag.
        • The Crown: Resembling the Scottish Crown, signifying the Lord Lyon’s official authority.
        • Gold Oval Frame: Represents a heraldic badge, commonly associated with high-ranking officials.
Note: In this artistic representation of the Achievement of Arms for the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the inscription Miserere mei Deus is absent from the circlet of the crown. In 2003, a new crown, designed by Nicola Williams, was created for the Lord Lyon King of Arms. It is based on historic Crown of Scotland, last seen in the 17th century. The crown features removable arches—similar to those on one of the late Queen Mother's crowns—which are taken off during coronations to avoid any perceived hint of lèse-majesté.[3]
Achievement Arms of Lord Lyon King of Arms
  • Two additions to the "Achievement of Arms for the Lord Lyon King of Arms (simplified)" (above):
    1. Compartment: A grassy mount Vert, serving as the base for the supporters.
    2. Supporters: Two lions rampant guardant Proper Gules, armed and langued Azure, each wearing the proper crown of the Lord Lyon King of Arms, their bodies semée of thistles crowned Or.
Heraldic Symbols and Insignia of Office
Scottish Guardian Thistle


Crown of a British King of Arms


New (as of 2003)
Crown of Lord Lyon King of Arms
Crown of Lord Lyon King of Arms
  • Description: Coronet (or Crown) of the Lord Lyon King of Arms is made of silver-gilt and features a circlet inscribed with the Latin phrase "Miserere mei Deus" (meaning "Have mercy on me, O God") from Psalm 51:1. The rim is adorned with sixteen golden oak leaves, with every second leaf rising higher than the one beside it—nine of which are visible in profile view. The cap is made of crimson velvet, topped with a gold finial, and is lined with ermine fur at the base. The oak-leaf design reflects Scottish heraldic tradition, while the inscription emphasizes divine mercy. Historically, this crown was modeled after the Crown of Scotland, but without jewels.
    The same crown is used for Kings of Arms throughout the United Kingdom:
    • Highest Ranking
      1. Garter: Principal King of Arms of England and the highest-ranking herald (professional officer of arms) in the United Kingdom – Chief Herald of the College of Arms.
      2. Lord Lyon: Sovereign-appointed Chief Herald of Scotland, unique in that he, she, or they hold judicial authority over heraldic matters – Chief Herald of Scotland but completely independent from the College of Arms.
    • Mid Level
      1. Clarenceux: Second in rank after Garter. Responsible for heraldic jurisdiction south of the River Trent, College of Arms Member.
      2. Norroy and Ulster: Third in rank. Responsible for heraldic jurisdiction north of the River Trent and Northern Ireland – before 1921, simply Ireland, College of Arms Member.
    • Lower Ranking (Orders of Chivalry): These three heralds only serve their respective orders of chivalry and do not have broader heraldic jurisdiction, and, therefore, are not members of the College of Arms. These Kings of Arms hold ceremonial roles within their respective orders.
Finial: At the very top of the Crown of the King of Arms sits a golden thistle finial. Since the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England, the thistle has been recognized as an important British (not just Scottish) symbol. his finial consists of a stylized thistle head with radiating leaves, resembling a traditional heraldic thistle. It is mounted on a rounded gold orb, which serves as the transition point between the crown’s cap and its highest ornament.[4]
Insignia of Knights and Ladies of
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle
  • Collar: Gold and enamel chain with alternating links of thistles and rue.
  • Badge: Suspended from the collar, an enamelled representation of St. Andrew carrying the cross of his martyrdom.
  • Motto (not used in the later Full Achievement of Arms): Star of the Order of the Thistle, bearing the motto on a circlet, Nemo me impune lacessit (Latin), the National motto of Scotland, which translates to "No one harms me unpunished".[5]
  • Note: The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is also known as The Order of Saint Andrew. It is an order of Knighthood and Ladyhood (female equivalent of a Knight) that is restricted to the King or Queen and sixteen others. It was established by James VII of Scotland in 1687.
Star of the Order of the Thistle
  • Note: Part of the Collar, above, but not an element used in Official Arms of Lord Byron King of Arms.
Alternate version adopted by Canada.
Personal Arms (dexter) Impaled with Office Arms (sinister)
Achievement (escutcheon only) of James Balfour Paul as Lord Lyon King of Arms
  1. Shield shape: Heater.
    • Dexter half (arms of the office):
    1. Field tincture (in base): Argent (silver or white).
    2. Charge (in base): A lion sejant affronté Gules, forepaws extended outward below the shoulders, langued and armed Vert, holding in the dexter paw a thistle (national Flower of Scotland) slipped Vert, and in the sinister paw a shield Gules, a shield (the smaller shield) of the second (second tincture mentioned earlier in this part of the blazon, Gules (in Fox-Davies 1904 depiction of James Balfour Paul's Full Achievement of Arms, the lion's forepaws are raised above the shoulders in a more defensive posture, and the tail exhibits a more elaborate flourish).
    3. Charge (in chief): St. Andrew's Cross (aka the Saltire) Argent on a field Azure (flag of Scotland).
    1. Field tincture: Or (gold).
    2. Charges: A chevron indented (zigzag-edged) Sable (black) between two lions rampant in chief, langued and armed Gules, and an escutcheon in base Gules.
Personal Arms Impaled with Office in Full Achievement
Achievement of Arms of Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon King of Arms (hatched, with full external office and personal elements)
  • Armorial bearings — He bears for Arms: Parted per pale on the Dexter side the official coat of Lyon King of Arms, namely, argent, a lion sejant full-faced gules, holding in the Dexter paw a thistle slipped vert, and in the sinister a shield of the second, on a chief azure, a Saint Andrew's Cross of the field, on the sinister his paternal coat, namely or, a chevron indented sable between two lions rampant in chief, and an escutcheon in base gules. Above the shield is placed the coronet of Lyon King of Arms, thereon a helmet befitting his degree, with a mantling sable, doubled or; and upon a wreath of his liveries is set for Crest, a lion sejant guardant gules, his dexter paw resting upon an escutcheon as in the arms; and in an escroll over the same this Motto, Pro Rege et Republica [For King and Republic]. Behind the shield are placed in saltire two batons representing that belonging to his office, and round the shield is placed a gold collar of SS (Collar of Esses, a livery collar or chain of office), and a triple chain also of gold, and depending (hanging) from it the proper badge of Lyon King of Arms.
  • Impaled escutcheon: The shield follows the same blazon as described above (see #Arms of Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon King of Arms (in color)). This version is rendered in hatching, using heraldic engraving conventions to indicate tinctures.
  • External Elements of the Achievement
    1. Above the Escutcheon (descending, from the top)
      1. Motto: Pro rege et republica ("For King and Commonwealth").
      2. Crest: A lion sejant guardant Gules, its dexter paw resting upon an escutcheon as in the arms.
      3. Torse:
      4. Helm: Angled toward dexter, closed unbarred hinged visor (the movable part covering the face; pivot points on both sides at the temples, dexter side visible), with Gorget, a steel collar to protect the neck and cover the neck opening in a cuirass (also covers the clavicles, sternum, and part of the upper back). The helm features eye-slits and holes in the visor (6 visible) for ventilation.
      5. Crown (King of Arms Crown): See Crown of the Lord Lyon, above, in this table.
    2. Encircling the Escutcheon
      1. Collar: Surrounding the shield is a gold collar of SS (Collar of Esses), with a triple chain and the proper badge of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
      2. Triple chain: A triple-linked chain extends from the base of the shield, from which a pendant "Badge of Office" or the "Lyon Badge" is suspended. The triple-linked chain represents the special status and office of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
      3. Badge of Office (aka Lyon Badge; aka Official Lyon Medallion): The badge is depending (hanging) from the triple-linked chain. The badge bears the official emblem of the Lord Lyon King of Arms – the Royal Arms of Scotland (the red lion rampant on a gold shield), within a crowned oval frame. The Royal Arms of Scotland symbolizes authority derived from the Scottish Crown.
    3. Emerging from behind the Escutcheon
      1. Batons: Two ceremonial batons, positioned in saltire (crossed diagonally) behind the escutcheon, with their ends emerging from behind the chief (top) and base (bottom) of the shield. Each baton is Azure, Semé (scattered) with heraldic symbols, all Or, and tipped Or (gold at both ends).
Notes: This depiction follows the heraldic hatching system – introduced by Silvester Petra Sancta (1590–1647) in the 17th century – to represent colors in black-and-white engraving (see § Tinctures, below).
Collars of Esses (1882)
  • Albert Hartshorne (1839–1910), artist/author.[6]
  • Badge link
  • Badge of an Officer at Arms
  • Badge of Office
  • Badge History.
  • Hatched Achievement Via Getty Images©
  • 1968 Re-print of The Art of ...
  • Royal Victorian Order
  • 1926: KCVO: Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order
    1. 1900: Bachelor
    2. 1900: Knight
    3. 1900: Bachelor
    4. 1911: CVO – Commander of the Victorian Order
    5. 1926: KCVO – Knight Commander of the Victorian Order
  • Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Achievement of Arms of Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon King of Arms (in color, with full external office and personal elements)
  • Blazon: Parted per pale, on the dexter side the official coat of the Lyon King of Arms, namely: Argent, a lion sejant full-faced gules, holding in his dexter paw a thistle slipped and leaved Vert, and in his sinister a shield of the second; on a chief Azure, a saltire Argent. On the sinister, his paternal arms [the arms of the father of James Balfour Paul, John Paul (1795–1873)]: Or, a Chevron indented Sable between two lions rampant in chief and an Escutcheon in base Gules. Mantling Sable, doubled Or; and upon a wreath of his liveries is set for crest, a lion sejant guardant Gules, his dexter paw resting upon an Escutcheon charged as in the arms; and in an escroll above, the Motto: Pro Rege et Republica [For King and Republic].
  • Impaled escutcheon: The shield follows the blazon as described in the previous entries.
    1. Crest: A lion sejant guardant Gules, its dexter paw resting upon an escutcheon as in the arms.
    2. Helm: A barred, open-faced steel helm affronté, befitting both the dignity of a knight and the high office of Lord Lyon King of Arms. The open-face and barred features reflect Sir James Balfour Paul's elevation in rank following his creation as a Knight Bachelor in the 1900 New Year Honours and his investiture on 9 February 1900.[7]
    3. Crown (King of Arms Crown)
    4. Mantling: Gules lined Argent, elaborately displayed.
    5. Compartment: Two batons in saltire behind the shield, signifying the office of Lord Lyon King of Arms.
    6. Collar: The escutcheon is surrounded by a gold collar of SS, with a triple chain supporting the badge of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
    7. Motto: Pro rege et republica ("For King and Commonwealth").
    8. Additional inscription: Above the escutcheon, a chief bears the Latin inscription Miserere Mei Deus ("Have mercy on me, O God"), a prayer and a verse from Scripture (Psalm 51:1 in the Vulgate; c. 382 ᴀᴅ (a Bible in Latin, translated from Greek).
    9. Medallions (badges):
      1. Rose medallion: At the bottom center of the Collar of Esses, forming the central linking element, a crowned heraldic rose Or (gold), with a scroll beneath bearing the British Royal Motto, Dieu et Mon Droit (God and my right), displayed in three segments on a curved banner.
      2. Rose medallion" At the bottom center of the Collar of Esses is a crowned heraldic rose Or, supported by an ornate horizontal scrollwork that connects it to the collar. Directly beneath the rose is a three-part curved banner bearing the motto, Dieu et Mon Droit (God and my right), displayed in three segments on a curved banner.
      3. Queen Victoria Diamond (1897) Jubilee Medallion Suspended from a crimson ribbon running behind the Thistle, Rose, and Shamrock badge (which itself is affixed to the base of the Collar of Esses), there is an oval medallion bearing the left-facing, crowned and veiled profile of Queen Victoria. Although the surrounding inscription is illegible, it closely resembles that of the 1897 Diamond Jubilee medal, which typically reads "Victoria Regina et Imperatrix". The inclusion of this medallion may reflect personal preference or a commemorative gesture rather than a formal heraldic award, as Jubilee medals—though sometimes granted with a semi-official status—were not universally regarded as decorations in the strict chivalric sense.[8]
      4. Lyon Badge: At the very bottom hangs the official Lyon Badge (the crowned shield with the Lion Rampant of Scotland).
Notes: This depiction is a full-color version from Fox-Davies' 1904 The Art of Heraldry,[9] featuring gold, red, black, blue, and silver tinctures in full heraldic splendor. It is more elaborate than the engraved (hatched) version, with enriched details in the mantling and decorative elements.
Coat of Arms of the Garter King of Arms.svg
Collars of SS (1882)
  • The Thistle, Rose, and Shamrock: Floral emblems of Scotland, England, and Ireland (Ireland hadn't been partitioned, yet; it happened in 1921). A medallion Or, ensigned with a Royal Crown of the same, composed of a circlet jeweled and enameled, supporting alternating crosses pattee and fleurs-de-lis, from which rise four arches adorned with pearls, meeting beneath an orb and cross finial. Below, a Tudor Rose Or, flanked dexter by a Thistle Or and sinister by a Shamrock Or, all without visible stems. From the base extends a tripartite scroll Or, inscribed in letters with the Royal motto Dieu Et Mon Droit (God and my right). The whole suspended from a ribbon Celeste, forming part of the Collar of Esses.
  • Elements:
    1. Crown (Sovereign, St Edward's): A golden crown composed of a jeweled circlet, adorned with alternating crosses pattée Or (in the actual crown, four rising from the circlet, but in the heraldic image, 1 fully visible) and fleur-de-lis (4 actual, 2 fully visible), from which rise four arches set with pearls, meeting at an orb and cross finial (see St Edward's Crown).
      1. Circlet (Base of the Crown):
        • Gold (Or) band with rectangular gem-like inlays, possibly representing heraldic jewels or plates.
        • This jeweled circlet is characteristic of royal crowns used in British and heraldic tradition.
      2. Crosses Pattee and Fleurs-de-Lis (Alternating Elements on Circlet)
        • Crosses Pattee (broad-armed crosses) symbolize Christianity and divine right.
        • Fleurs-de-Lis (stylized lilies) have historical ties to the French monarchy, but in British heraldry, they emphasize the historical claim of English kings to the French throne (until 1801).
      3. Ornate Arches with Pearls
        • The arches curve upward from the circlet, adorned with a row of pearls, a distinctive feature of British royal crowns.
        • These arches signify imperial authority and unity of the realm.
        • Orb and Cross Finial
        • At the crown’s apex, the arches converge beneath an orb (a golden sphere topped with a cross pattee).
        • This element reinforces the divine right of kings, symbolizing God’s authority over the monarchy.
      4. Floral order: From the left, historical order of incorporation (Scotland in 1707, Ireland formally in 1801).
      5. A Tudor rose Or (gold), surmounted by a royal crown, emphasizing monarchical authority and England’s heraldic heritage.
      6. Motto: A gold scroll-like banner unfurling in three segments, bearing the motto Dieu et Mon Droit (God and my right).

Cleanup 1

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Cleanup

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Heraldic
Armory
and Elements
Personal Heraldry




James Balfour Paul Coat of Arms
  1. Field tincture: Or (gold).
  2. Charges: A chevron indented (zigzag-edged) Sable (black) between two lions rampant in chief, langued and armed Gules, and an escutcheon in base Gules.[1][2]
Governance Heraldry: Escutcheon of Lord Lyon King of Arms
Arms of Lord Lyon King of Arms
Governance Heraldry: Escutcheon and Achievements of the Lord Lyon King of Arms
Achievement of Arms for the Lord Lyon King of Arms (simplified)
     See Heraldic authority § United Kingdom
(the crown, here, is – as of 2003 – different; see note, below)
  1. Heraldic elements (not devices, purely structural) and insignia
    1. Royal Crown of Scotland: A Scottish crown befitting of the authority of the Lord Lyon King of Arms under the Scottish monarchy.
      1. Ermine base: The foundation of the coronet, featuring a white ermine lining with black ermine spots, symbolizing nobility and rank.
      2. Circlet (base of the coronet): A golden (Or) circlet, adorned with an ermine-lined cap and featuring alternating fleur-de-lis and crosses pattée Or, separated by small orbs Or.
      3. Red Cap (Gules): A velvet cap enclosed within the coronet, visible between the golden ornamental elements.
      4. Ornamental upper rim: A golden (Or) arched structure with intricate curling embellishments, providing an elegant flourish to the coronet's design.
      5. Central pointer: A distinct gold ornamental projection on the central vertical band, possibly serving as a decorative feature or symbolic element.
    2. Crest: Atop the crown, sits a lion sejant affronté guardant Or (seated, facing forward, and looking outward), wearing a crown Or, and holding:
      1. In its dexter paw (heraldic right, viewer's left), a sword Or (symbolizing justice and royal authority).
      2. In its sinister paw (heraldic left, viewer's right), a scepter Or (a traditional emblem of sovereignty).
      3. The lion itself is guardant (facing forward), a characteristic commonly associated with Scottish regal imagery. It wears an open arched crown adorned with fleur-de-lis and crosses pattée, resting atop the red cap of maintenance.
    3. Insignia of office (honors and symbols of Lyon's authority, distinct from structural elements).
      1. Batons of office: Two ceremonial batons, positioned in saltire (crossed diagonally) behind the escutcheon, with their ends emerging from behind the chief (top) and base (bottom) of the shield. Each baton is Azure, Semé (scattered) with heraldic symbols, all Or, and tipped Or (gold on the ends).
        • Dexter baton (extending from dexter chief to sinister base): Semé of, from top to bottom: a thistle, a fleur-de-lis, and a Tudor rose (the heraldic emblem of England, symbolizing the union of the Houses of York and Lancaster).
        • Sinister baton (extending from sinister chief to dexter base): Semé of, from top to bottom: a thistle, a Saltire, and a thistle.
      2. Collar of the Order of the Thistle: An ornate golden chain interwoven with thistles and featuring the badge of the Order of the Thistle at the bottom.
      3. Badge of the Order of the Thistle: Featuring St. Andrew holding his saltire, suspended from the collar.
        • Saint Andrew: The patron saint of Scotland, depicted with his traditional diagonal cross.
        • The Saltire (St. Andrew’s Cross): A defining symbol of Scotland, which also appears on the national flag.
        • The Crown of Scotland: Signifying the Lord Lyon’s official authority.
        • Gold Oval Frame: Represents a heraldic badge, commonly associated with high-ranking officials.
Note: In this artistic representation of the Achievement of Arms for the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the inscription Miserere mei Deus is absent from the circlet of the crown. In 2003, a new crown, designed by Nicola Williams, was created for the Lord Lyon King of Arms. It is based on the historic Crown of Scotland, last seen in the 17th century. The crown features removable arches—similar to those on one of the late Queen Mother's crowns—which are taken off during coronations to avoid any perceived hint of lèse-majesté.[3]
Achievement Arms of the Lord Lyon King of Arms
  • Two additions to the "Achievement of Arms for the Lord Lyon King of Arms (simplified)" (above):
    1. Compartment: A grassy mount Vert, serving as the base for the supporters.
    2. Supporters: Two lions rampant guardant Proper Gules, armed and langued Azure, each wearing the proper crown of the Lord Lyon King of Arms, their bodies semée of thistles crowned Or.
Heraldic Symbols and Insignia of Office
Scottish Guardian Thistle


Crown of a British King of Arms


New (as of 2003)
Crown of Lord Lyon King of Arms
Crown of Lord Lyon King of Arms
  • Description: Coronet (or Crown) of the Lord Lyon King of Arms is made of silver-gilt and features a circlet inscribed with the Latin phrase "Miserere mei Deus" (meaning "Have mercy on me, O God") from Psalm 51:1. The rim is adorned with sixteen golden oak leaves, with every second leaf rising higher than the one beside it—nine of which are visible in profile view. The cap is made of crimson velvet, topped with a gold finial, and is lined with ermine fur at the base. The oak-leaf design reflects Scottish heraldic tradition, while the inscription emphasizes divine mercy. Historically, this crown was modeled after the Crown of Scotland, but without jewels.
    The same crown is used for Kings of Arms throughout the United Kingdom:
    • Highest Ranking
      1. Garter: Principal King of Arms of England and the highest-ranking herald (professional officer of arms) in the United Kingdom – Chief Herald of the College of Arms.
      2. Lord Lyon: Sovereign-appointed Chief Herald of Scotland, unique in that he, she, or they hold judicial authority over heraldic matters – Chief Herald of Scotland but completely independent from the College of Arms.
    • Mid Level
      1. Clarenceux: Second in rank after Garter. Responsible for heraldic jurisdiction south of the River Trent, College of Arms Member.
      2. Norroy and Ulster: Third in rank. Responsible for heraldic jurisdiction north of the River Trent and Northern Ireland – before 1921, simply Ireland, College of Arms Member.
    • Lower Ranking (Orders of Chivalry): These three heralds only serve their respective orders of chivalry and do not have broader heraldic jurisdiction, and, therefore, are not members of the College of Arms. These Kings of Arms hold ceremonial roles within their respective orders.
Finial: At the very top of the Crown of the King of Arms sits a golden thistle finial. Since the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England, the thistle has been recognized as an important British (not just Scottish) symbol. This finial consists of a stylized thistle head with radiating leaves, resembling a traditional heraldic thistle. It is mounted on a rounded gold orb, which serves as the transition point between the crown’s cap and its highest ornament.[4]
Insignia of Knights and Ladies of
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle
  • Collar: Gold and enamel chain with alternating links of thistles and rue.
  • Badge: Suspended from the collar, an enamelled representation of St. Andrew carrying the cross of his martyrdom.
  • Motto (not used in the later Full Achievement of Arms): Star of the Order of the Thistle, bearing the motto on a circlet, Nemo me impune lacessit (Latin), the National motto of Scotland, which translates to "No one harms me unpunished".[5]
  • Note: The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is also known as The Order of Saint Andrew. It is an order of Knighthood and Ladyhood (female equivalent of a Knight) that is restricted to the King or Queen and sixteen others. It was established by James VII of Scotland in 1687.
Star of the Order of the Thistle
  • Note: Part of the Collar, above, but not an element used in Official Arms of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
Alternate version adopted by Canada.
Personal Arms (dexter) Impaled with Office Arms (sinister)
Achievement (escutcheon only) of James Balfour Paul as Lord Lyon King of Arms
  1. Shield shape: Heater.
    • Dexter half (arms of the office):
    1. Field tincture (in base): Argent (silver or white).
    2. Charge (in base): A lion sejant affronté Gules, forepaws extended outward below the shoulders, langued and armed Vert, holding in the dexter paw a thistle (national Flower of Scotland) slipped Vert, and in the sinister paw a shield Gules (in Fox-Davies 1904 depiction, the lion’s forepaws are raised above the shoulders, with a more elaborate tail).
    3. Charge (in chief): St. Andrew's Cross (aka the Saltire) Argent on a field Azure.
    1. Field tincture: Or (gold).
    2. Charges: A chevron indented Sable (black) between two lions rampant in chief, langued and armed Gules, and an escutcheon in base Gules.
Personal Arms Impaled with Office in Full Achievement
Achievement of Arms of Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon King of Arms (hatched, with full external office and personal elements)
  • Armorial bearings — He bears for Arms: Parted per pale on the Dexter side the official coat of Lyon King of Arms, namely, argent, a lion sejant full-faced gules, holding in the Dexter paw a thistle slipped vert, and in the sinister a shield of the second, on a chief azure, a Saint Andrew's Cross of the field, on the sinister his paternal coat, namely or, a chevron indented sable between two lions rampant in chief, and an escutcheon in base gules. Above the shield is placed the coronet of Lyon King of Arms, thereon a helmet befitting his degree, with a mantling sable, doubled or; and upon a wreath of his liveries is set for Crest, a lion sejant guardant gules, his dexter paw resting upon an escutcheon as in the arms; and in an escroll over the same this Motto, Pro Rege et Republica [For King and Republic]. Behind the shield are placed in saltire two batons representing that belonging to his office, and round the shield is placed a gold collar of SS (Collar of Esses), and a triple chain also of gold, and depending from it the proper badge of Lyon King of Arms.
  • Impaled escutcheon: The shield follows the same blazon as described above (see #Arms of Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon King of Arms (in color)). This version is rendered in hatching, using heraldic engraving conventions to indicate tinctures.
  • External Elements of the Achievement
    1. Above the Escutcheon (descending, from the top)
      1. Motto: Pro rege et republica ("For King and Commonwealth").
      2. Crest: A lion sejant guardant Gules, its dexter paw resting upon an escutcheon as in the arms.
      3. Torse:
      4. Helm: Angled toward dexter, closed unbarred visor with gorget.
      5. Crown (King of Arms Crown): See Crown of the Lord Lyon, above.
    2. Encircling the Escutcheon
      1. Collar: A gold collar of SS (Collar of Esses), with a triple chain and the badge of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
      2. Triple chain: A triple-linked chain extends from the base of the shield, suspending the "Badge of Office."
      3. Badge of Office (a.k.a. Lyon Badge): The crowned shield with the Lion Rampant of Scotland, hanging from the triple-linked chain.
    3. Emerging from behind the Escutcheon
      1. Batons: Two ceremonial batons in saltire, each Azure semé of symbols Or, signifying the office of Lord Lyon King of Arms.
Notes: This depiction follows the heraldic hatching system introduced by Silvester Petra Sancta (1590–1647).
Collars of Esses (1882)
Achievement of Arms of Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon King of Arms (in color, with full external office and personal elements)
  • Blazon: Parted per pale, on the dexter side the official coat of the Lyon King of Arms, namely: Argent, a lion sejant full-faced gules, holding in his dexter paw a thistle slipped and leaved Vert, and in his sinister a shield of the second; on a chief Azure, a saltire Argent. On the sinister, his paternal arms: Or, a Chevron indented Sable between two lions rampant in chief and an Escutcheon in base Gules. Mantling Sable, doubled Or; and upon a wreath of his liveries is set for crest, a lion sejant guardant Gules, his dexter paw resting upon an Escutcheon as in the arms; and in an escroll above, the Motto: Pro Rege et Republica.
  • Impaled escutcheon: Same blazon as described in the previous entries.
    1. Crest: A lion sejant guardant Gules, its dexter paw resting upon an Escutcheon as in the arms.
    2. Helm: A barred, open-faced steel helm affronté.
    3. Crown (King of Arms Crown)
    4. Mantling: Gules lined Argent.
    5. Compartment: Two batons in saltire behind the shield (office of Lord Lyon).
    6. Collar: A gold collar of SS with a triple chain supporting the badge of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
    7. Motto: Pro rege et republica ("For King and Commonwealth").
    8. Additional inscription: Miserere Mei Deus (Psalm 51:1) sometimes appears on the circlet.
    9. Medallions (badges):
      1. Rose medallion: At the bottom center of the Collar of Esses, forming the main linking element—a crowned heraldic rose Or with a three-part curved banner beneath, bearing Dieu et Mon Droit.
      2. Queen Victoria Diamond (1897) Jubilee Medallion Suspended from a crimson ribbon running behind the Thistle, Rose, and Shamrock badge (which itself is affixed to the base of the Collar of Esses), there is an oval medallion bearing the left-facing, crowned and veiled profile of Queen Victoria. Although the surrounding inscription is illegible, it closely resembles that of the 1897 Diamond Jubilee medal, which typically reads "Victoria Regina et Imperatrix". The inclusion of this medallion may reflect personal preference or a commemorative gesture rather than a formal heraldic award, as Jubilee medals—though sometimes granted with a semi-official status—were not universally regarded as decorations in the strict chivalric sense.
      3. Lyon Badge: At the lowest point, the crowned shield with the Lion Rampant of Scotland, representing the Lord Lyon’s official authority.
Notes: This full-color version (see Fox-Davies, Art of Heraldry, 1904[10]) shows gold, red, black, blue, and silver tinctures in detail.
Coat of Arms of the Garter King of Arms.svg
Collars of SS (1882)
  • The Thistle, Rose, and Shamrock: Floral emblems of Scotland, England, and Ireland (before 1921). A medallion Or, ensigned with a Royal Crown, having a scroll below inscribed Dieu et mon droit.
  • Elements:
    1. Crown (Sovereign, St Edward's): A jewelled circlet with alternating crosses pattée and fleurs-de-lis, from which rise arches of pearls, meeting beneath an orb and cross finial.
    2. Floral order: Thistle, Rose, and Shamrock represent parts of the realm.
    3. Motto: A gold scroll-like banner bearing Dieu et mon droit.


Tinctures cleanup

[edit]
Heraldic tinctures and hatching for the coat-of-arms of James Balfour Paul
Class: Metals Colors
Tincture: Argent Or Gules Purpure Sable Azure Vert
Hatching:
Non-heraldic 
equivalent:
Silver/
White
Gold/
Yellow
Red Purple Black Blue Green

Tinctures

[edit]
Heraldic tinctures and hatching for the coat-of-arms of James Balfour Paul
Class: Metals Colors
Tincture: Argent Or Gules Purpure Sable Azure Vert
Hatching:
Non-heraldic 
equivalent:
Silver/
White
Gold/
Yellow
Red Purple Black Blue Green

Eratta

[edit]
Ballads of the Bench and the Bar; or Idle Lays of the Parliament House, by J. Balfour Paul and John J. Reid, advocates, numerous woodcut portraits, privately printed, h. mor, gt. top 4to. London, 1882.
The first Baronet of Denmiln, was Sir James Balfour (1600–1657), who filled the office of Lyon King-at-Arms during the reign of Charles I – King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 to 1649. His reign ended when he was executed on January 30, 1649, during the English Civil War.

More works

[edit]
    1. Via Internet Archive (Michigan). Free access icon
    2. Via JSTOR 24681410 (Michigan).


Memorial

[edit]

In memory of Helen Margaret – For fifty seven years the beloved wife of Sir James Balfour Paul KCVO LL.D. – And last survivor of the family of John Nairne Forman W.S. died 20th Dec 1929 – And also of Sir James Balfour Paul KCVO LL.D. Lord Lyon King of Arms 1890–1926 born Nov. 16 1846 died Sept. 15 1931.

Bibliography

[edit]

Annotations

[edit]
Note: Despite the similarity in names, the title "Lord Lyon King of Arms," referring to the chief heraldic officer of Scotland, has no historical or heraldic connection to the city of Lyon in France. The former title is derived directly from the heraldic lion symbolizing Scottish sovereignty, while the latter evolved linguistically from the Latin city name Lugdunum, only coincidentally becoming associated with a lion emblem.


Coats of arms are granted (i) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: by the College of Arms and (ii) in Scotland: by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Notes

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References

[edit]
    1. Henderson, Thomas Finlayson (1844–1923). Entry: "Seton, George (1822–1908)". Vol. 49: "Satorius–Sharman". Revised by G[avin] Martin [Hedd] Murphy (born 1934). p. 810 – via Internet Archive.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) Free access icon ISBN 0-1986-1399-7 (this volume); doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/36023.
    1. Henderson, Thomas Finlayson (1844–1923) (1912). Seton, George (1822–1908). Second Supplement: "Neil–Young". Vol. 3. pp. 292–193 – via Wikisource (Roberts).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) Free access icon


    1. Via Internet Archive (Robarts). Free access icon
    2. Via Internet Archive (Harvard). Free access icon




    1. Via Internet Archive (Allen County Public Library). Free access icon
    2. Via Internet Archive (Boston). Free access icon
    3. Via Internet Archive (Cal Berkeley). Free access icon
    4. Via Google Books (Michigan). Free access icon
    1. Via Google Books (Harvard) (1st ed.). 1897. Free access icon
    2. Via Google Books (Michigan) (1st ed.). 1897. Free access icon
    3. Via Google Books (Cal Berkeley) (2nd ed.). 1908. Free access icon



    1. Paul, James Balfour (1891). "Notes on the Heraldic Exhibition, Edinburgh, 1891". Vol. 48, no. 1. p. 416–425 – via Google Books (Princeton). Free access icon doi:10.1080/00665983.1891.10852488.


  • Davenport, Cyril. British Heraldry by Cyril Davenport v.d., j.p., f.s.a. With 210 Illustrations by the Author Methuen & Co. Ltd. 36 Essex Street w.c. London.


  • Letters Patent in Favour of J. Balfour Paul. Edinburgh: Issued by The Court of the Lord Lyon. 1891.


  • Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount (c. 1486 – c. 1555), Lyon King of Arms. In 1542, he produced a Scottish roll of arms known today as the Lindsay of the Mount Roll. It contains 400 Scottish coats of arms, some of which were added later in the 16th century, and forms the basis of the official Scots heraldic registry in use today. A facsimile comprising accurate redrawing of his own drawings was published in Edinburgh in 1878.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
    1. Mount Roll.
    1. Hartshorne, Albert (1839–1910) (December 1882). "Notes On Collars of SS". Vol. 39, no. 156. pp. 376–183.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) doi:10.1080/00665983.1882.10852044; OCLC 83330776, 6899319556.
      1. Via Internet Archive (Getty). Free access icon
      2. Via Internet Archive (Boston). Free access icon



  • Saturday Review of Books (September 7, 1907). "Real Thing in the Murder Mystery Line." – "The Mauleverer Murders. By A. C. Fox-Davies". The New York Times. "Reviews of Most Lately Published Books". Vol. 56, no. 18123. p. 540 (digital image 26 of 30). Retrieved January 8, 2015.
    1. Pdf Via Times Machine (PDF). Free access icon
    2. Pdf Via WayBack Machine (PDF) (Archived March 14, 2022). Free access icon
    3. Via New York Times Permalink.
    1. Vol. 2: "Chippendale–Hoste". 1901. pp. 347–348. LCCN 2001-522502.
      1. Via Internet Archive (Robarts Library). Free access icon
      2. Via Wikisource (Robarts Library). Free access icon
    2. Vol. 22 (of 22). 1998. pp. 772–773. LCCN 00-694539.
      1. Via Internet Archive (Sauk Valley C.C.).
    1. Vol. 1 – via Internet Archive (UC Riverside). Free access icon
    2. Vol. 2 – via Internet Archive (UC Riverside). Free access icon
    3. Vol. 2 – via Google Books (Princeton). Free access icon

Contributors

  1. Mrs. M. M. Turnbull
  2. James Balfour Paul (1846–1931)
  3. Michael Field, pseudonym for Katherine Harris Bradley (1846–1914) and her niece, Edith Emma Cooper (1862–1913).
  4. William Rae Macdonald (1843–1923)
  • Paul, Sir James Balfour (1893–1903). An Ordinary of Arms Contained in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland. Edinburgh: William Green and Sons.
    1. "Chevron: J. Balfour Paul" (1st ed.). 1893 – via Internet Archive (Boston Public Library). Free access icon
    2. "Chevron: James Balfour Paul" (2nd ed.). 1903 – via Internet Archive (Duke University). Free access icon
Note: "Ordinary" (as in "ordinary of arms") is a systematic catalog of coats of arms, organized by their primary design elements rather than by the name of the armiger (the person or entity bearing the arms) → See wikipedia article, "Ordinary of arms".
    1. Vol. 1 (1904). "Kings of Scotland": "Earl of Abercorn" – "Lord Balmerino". Free access icon
    2. Vol. 2 (1905). "Lord Banff" – "Lord Cranstoun". Free access icon
    3. Vol. 3 (1906). "Earl of Crawford" – "Viscount Falkland". Free access icon
    4. Vol. 4 (1907). "Earl of Fife" – "Earl of Hyndford". Free access icon
    5. Vol. 5 (1908). "Lord Innermeath" – "Earl of Mar". Free access icon
    6. Vol. 6 (1909). "Earl of Marchmont" – "Viscount of Oxfuird". Free access icon
    7. Vol. 7 (1910). "Earl of Panmure" – "Lord Sinclair". Free access icon
    8. Vol. 8 (1911). "Lord Somerville" – "Earl of Winton". Free access icon
    9. Vol. 9 (1914). "Index and Corrections". Free access icon


  • Velde, François R. (ed.). Documents on the Lord Lyon. This page gathers documents on the powers and practice of Lord Lyon and his Court. Free access icon
  • Who Was Who ("Fox-Davies, Arthur Charles"). First published in 1848.
    1. Online via Oxford University Press. Oxford University Press. December 1, 2007. Retrieved September 13, 2010. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.U196567; ISBN 978-0-1995-4089-1; OCLC 5557231783.
    2. Vol. 2: "1916–1928" (5 Vols.) (4th ed.). Adam & Charles Black. 1967 – via Internet Archive (Camp C.C., Franklin, Virginia). ISBN 978-0-7136-0169-5, 0-7136-0169-8; OCLC 6352121 (all editions).


    1. Via Wikimedia Commons (Polona). 1912. Free access icon
    2. Via Internet Archive (UCLA). 1912. Free access icon
  • Nicolas, Sir Nicholas Harris (1799–1848) (1842). History of the Orders of Knighthood of the British Empire; Of the Order of the Guelphs of Hanover; And of the Medals, Clasps, and Crosses, Conferred for Naval and Military Services. London: Published for John Hunter.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
    1. Vol. 3. 1842. p. 65 (1 p. before p. 65 – via Internet Archive (Allen County Public Library). Free access icon


    1. "Trade and Literary Gossip" → "Messrs. T. C. & E. C. Jack". Thomas Chater Jack (1863–1939) and Edwin Chisholm Jack (1864–1939) (husband of Louey Chisholm; 1863–1948), sons of Thomas Chisholm Jack (1830–1886), the publishing firm's founder. Vol. 65 (Old Series), No. 972 → Vol. 15 (New Series), No. 351. February 11, 1916. p. 51 – via Internet Archive (Illinois). Free access icon
    1. Via Internet Archive (Boston Public Library). Free access icon


    See The Art of Heraldry: An Encyclopædia of Armory
    1. "The Armorial of Sir James Balfour Paul, Lyon King of Arms". Plate 4 (between pages 16 & 17). Retrieved March 29, 2025. Free access icon
      1. Via HathiTrust (Getty). Free access icon
      2. Via Internet Archive (Boston). Free access icon
      3. Via Internet Archive (Getty). Free access icon
      4. Via Google Books (Princeton). Free access icon
  • Fox-Davies, Arthur Charles (1909). A Complete Guide to Heraldry: Illustrated by Nine Plates in Colour and Nearly 800 Other Designs, Mainly From Drawings by Graham Johnston, Herald Painter to the Lyon Court. Edinburgh: T.C. & E.C. Jack. Retrieved March 10, 2025. LCCN 73-115793 (1969 re-print), LCCN 84-29280 (1985 re-print); OCLC 1048481784.
    1. Via Internet Archive (University of California Libraries). Free access icon
    2. Via Google Books (Stanford). Free access icon


Armorial Families

[edit]


      ↓ Edinburgh: T.C. & E.C. Jack, publisher. Thomas Chater Jack (1863–1939) and Edwin Chisholm Jack (1864–1939) (husband of Louey Chisholm; 1863–1948), sons of Thomas Chisholm Jack (1830–1886), the publishing firm's founder.
    1. 1895. 1st ed. Sub-title: A Complete Peerage, Baronetage, and Knightage, and a Directory of Some Gentlemen of Coat-Armour, and Being the First Attempt to Show Which Arms in Use at the Moment Are Borne by Legal Authority.
      1. HathiTrust (Cal Berkeley). Free access icon
      2. HathiTrust (Cornell). Free access icon
      3. Via Internet Archive (Allen County Public Library). Free access icon
    2. 1899. 3rd ed. Sub-title: A Directory of Some Gentlemen of Coat-Armour, Showing which Arms in Use at the Moment are Borne by Legal Authority.
      1. Via HathiTrust (Cal Berkeley). Free access icon
      2. Via Internet Archive (Cal Berkeley). Free access icon
    3. 1902. 4th ed. Sub-title: A Directory of Gentlemen of Coat-Armour, Showing Which Arms in Use at the Moment Are Borne by Legal Authority.
      1. Via Google Books (Yale). Free access icon
    4. 1905. 5th ed. Sub-title: A Directory of Gentlemen of Coat-Armour.
      1. Via HathiTrust (Cal Berkeley). Free access icon
      2. Via HathiTrust (Cal Berkeley). Free access icon
      3. Via Wikimedia Commons (HTML) (Cal Berkeley). Free access icon
      4. See images at Wikimedia Commons (Boston Public Library). Free access icon
    5. 1910. 6th ed. Sub-title: A Directory of Gentlemen of Coat-Armour.
      1. Via HathiTrust (Getty Research Institute). Free access icon
      2. Via Google Books (Iowa). Free access icon
      ↓ London: Hurst & Blackett, Ltd., publisher.
    6. 1929. 7th ed. Sub-title: A Directory of Gentlemen of Coat-Armour.
      1. Vol. 1: Via Internet Archive (Boston Public Library). Free access icon
      2. Vol. 2: Via Internet Archive (Boston Public Library). Free access icon
      3. Vol. 1: Via HathiTrust (Michigan). Free access icon
      4. Vol. 2: Via HathiTrust (Michigan). Free access icon


Heraldry artists

[edit]
John Forbes Nixon (1845–1905)
Nixon (J. Forbes), artist
Lyon Office Library. See "Ex Libris Journal," V., 2 F. J. N (monogram) 1894 Armorial 1894
J. Balfour Paul. See "Ex Libris Journal," IV., 124

John Forbes Nixon: J Balfour Paul Lyon King
Graham Johnston: Sir James Balfour Paul CVO


Patents of arms

[edit]
  • Stevenson, John Horne (1855–1939); Seten, George (1822–1908) (1914). Heraldry in Scotland: Including a Recension of ‘The Law and Practice of Heraldry in Scotland’ by the Late George Seton. By Stevenson, J. H. (John Horne), 1855–1939; Seton, George, 1822-1908. Law and Practice of Heraldry in Scotland.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
    1. Vol. 1 (PIMS). Free access icon
    2. Vol. 2 (PIMS). Free access icon
      1. Appendix IV. "Patents of Lyon Kings-of-Arms" → (3) "Patent in favour of James Balfour Paul, Esquire (now Sir James Balfour Paul, C.V.O., LL.D.), dated 12th March 1890.". pp. 451–454.