THREE FLEURS-DE-LYS.
(Vol. ix., pp. 35. 113.)
Devoniensis is informed that an example of this occurs in the arms of King James's School, Almondbury, Yorkshire. The impression, as taken from the great seal of the school, in which however the colours are not distinguished, may be imperfectly described as follows: Three lions (two over one) passant gardant ——, on a chief ——, three fleurs-de-lys ——.
As it is not unlikely that some other of King James's foundations may have the same arms, it would be considered a favour if any reader of "N. & Q." possessing the information would communicate the proper colours in this case, or even the probable ones.
Camelodunensis.
Devoniensis is quite right in supposing that the bearing of three fleurs-de-lys alone, horizontal, in the upper part of the shield,—in other words,
in chief, fess-ways,—is a very rare occurrence. I know of no instance of it in English blazon. Coupled with another and principal charge, as a fess, a chevron, a lion, &c.; or in a chief, it is common enough. Nor have I ever met with an example of it in French coat-armour. An English family, named Rothfeld, but apparently of German extraction, gives: Gules, two fleurs-de-lys, in chief, ermine. Du Guesclin bore nothing like a fleur-de-lys in any way. The armorial bearings of the famous Constable were: Argent, a double-headed eagle, displayed, sable, crowned, or, debruised of a bend, gules.
John o' the Ford.
Malta.
P.S.—Since writing the above, I have read three replies (Vol. ix., p. 84.), which do not appear to me to exactly meet the Query of Devoniensis.
I understand the question to be, does any English family bear simply three fleurs-de-lys, in chief, fess-ways—without any additional charge? And in that sense my reply above is framed.
The first example given by Mr. Mackenzie Walcott would be most satisfactory and conclusive of the existence of such a bearing, could it be verified; but, unfortunately, in the Heraldic Dictionaries of Berry and Burke, the name even of Trilleck or Trelleck does not occur. And in Malta, I have no opportunity of consulting Edmondson or Robson.
Your correspondent A. B. (p. 113.) has mistaken the three white lilies for fleurs-de-lys in the arms of Magdalen College, Oxford. Waynflete, the founder, was also Provost of Eton, and adopted the device from the bearings of that illustrious school; by which they were borne in allusion to St. Mary, to whom that College is dedicated.
Mackenzie Walcott, M.A.