Beasts on England’s badge ‘aren’t lions’ as boffins declare we have all of it improper
England’s legendary three lions badge actually features leopards, it is claimed. Experts say that the original beasts on the emblem are based on the spotted big cat – and not the king of the jungle.
But punters reckon it will give England an edge at the World Cup, as leopards are more agile than their rival predators. Phillip Bone, Rouge Dragon Pursuivant and Officer in Waiting at the College of Arms, said the crest dates back centuries to when the animals weren’t considered lions.
He explained: “In medieval heraldry lions ‘passant guardant’ were traditionally known as ‘leopards’, in contrast to lions ‘rampant’.
“Lions ‘passant guardant’ are shown in a walking position with their faces turned towards the viewer, as in the Arms of the Football Association, which were granted on 30th March 1949, with a design similar to the Arms of England.”
Thomas Tuchel’s side have been known as the Three Lions for decades and the moniker was immortalised in the number one anthem of the same name by Frank Skinner, David Baddiel and The Lightning Seeds in 1996.
The King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester are scholars in the rich history behind the crest proudly worn by the English football team.
They said: “Technically the ‘lions’ are actually leopards! In medieval heraldry – and this includes the lions on the England team shirt – lions that are lying down are called leopards, and ones rearing or rampant are called lions. Three leopards on a shirt… doesn’t work quite as well does it?”
Academics have said the leopards were renamed as lions by Richard I just because he was known as ‘Richard the Lion Heart’ and that’s why they have been called that since then.
Mr Bone from the College of Arms added: “Since the medieval period, ‘lions’ rather than ‘leopards’ has been the correct way to describe these beasts in this posture, and when the FA was granted the Arms in 1949 the term ‘Lions passant guardant’ was used.
“The shirts worn by the England team use the Arms of the FA rather than the Arms of England, and so it is correct to talk of ‘three lions on the shirt’ rather than three leopards.”
TALE OF THE TAPE
LEOPARD
Weight: Up to 200lbs
Length: Up to 6.2ft
Height: Up to 27 inches
Speed: Up to 40mph
Agility: The leopard is vastly more agile than the lion, relying on speed, balance, and vertical leaping to survive – its pound-for-pound strength makes it unmatched.
LION
Weight: Up to 550bs
Length: Up to 8.2ft
Height: Up to 4ft
Speed: Up to 50mph
Agility: Lions rely on raw power, size, and pack-hunting tactics but are heavier built – limiting their maneuverability.
