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The Unicorn and the Lion

The unicorn and the lion are heraldic symbols of Scotland and England, respectively, dating to around the 12th century. The two were at war with each other for much of the Middle Ages, but in 1603, when King James VI of Scotland also became James I of England, the lion and the unicorn were joined in a new royal coat of arms representing both realms. In England the lion has pride of place on the left side of the image. However, in Scotland their positions are--significantly--reversed. The interior of the 14th century St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland.

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Uploaded on May 9, 2025
Taken on July 26, 2023