Large Cast Iron Fire Back (SOLD)

A large cast iron fire back in excellent condition. The arched top has a large thistle in the centre and Lion motif. The thistle is the national flower of Scotland and and this prickly-leaved purple flower was first used in the 15th century as a symbol of defence. There is a large rose on the left hand side surmounted by a crown, most likely symbolising the White Rose of York which was later used as the badge of Jacobitism in England and Scotland. There is a large fleur-de-lys on the upper right hand side surmounted by a crown, most likely symbolising the “Auld Alliance” which was based on a need, shared by Scotland and France, to contain English expansion. The magnificent “lion passant guardant” is walking, with the right fore paw raised and all others on the ground. The leopard or lion passant guardant is a frequently used charge in heraldry and mostly appears in groups of three, which are positioned over each another as in the arms of England. C1870

Dimensions: H: 66.5cm W: 77cm D: 3cm