The lion became our emblem because since the beginning of armoury, the lion has appeared with great frequency in arms, and it was greatly favoured by Kings and the great Lords of the middle ages. One of the earliest known examples of hereditary arms is that of William Longespee who was the natural son of King Henry the second of England. Henry the second was known as 'a Lion of a King' because he was strongly built, freckled face, red hair, and had a cracked voice. He was tough and athletic, and possessed immense energy. The lion is also featured on the coat of arms. The lion is regarded as the embodiment of courage, strength and nobleness. He is the King of beasts, and a fitting symbol of Kings and Kingdoms.

The coat of arms started off with two lions on the badge, this represented William I and became operational in 1047. There was some confusion as to whether 2 or 3 lions were featured on William's coat of arms, but 2 is the usual number. The use of 3 lions was not confirmed until the reign of Henry the second in 1154. Henry the second's coat of arms probably indicates the red hair of his first wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Until the 13th century Norman Kings referred to the lions as Leopards of England (In the early language of heraldry all lions of prowling variety were described as leopards). But now we know differently.

There was recently a song sung about 3 lions (called '3 Lions'!) which was used to represent England's Football Team in Euro96 but was sung worldwide.

Group 4 Sir John Nelthorpe School North Lincolnshire