The coat of arms of James I, the Stuart family insignia, include a shield divided in quarters showing the symbolic lilies of France, leopards of England, Scottish lions, and the Irish harp. James’ ascension to the throne of England united England and Scotland, and thus the shield is flanked by the symbols of the lion (traditionally English) and the unicorn (traditionally Scottish), thereafter symbols of the English crown.

According to folklore, the lion and the unicorn hate each other - a tradition going back to the ancient Babylonians. The fight between the two results from the Unicorn representing Spring and the lion representing Summer. Each year the two creatures battle for supremacy, and each year the lion is victorious.

In the case of Scotland and England, the fight continued, and a popular English nursery rhyme of the period sums up the animosity. It also recalls old wars between England and Scotland that England invariably won:

“The lion and the unicorn
Were fighting for the crown;
The lion beat the unicorn
All round about the town.

Some gave them white bread,
Some gave them brown,
Some gave them plum cake
And drummed them out of town.”

The motto of the chivalric Order of the Garter also appears: Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense (“evil comes to those who think evil thoughts”). Nearby, the designer also included the symbol of the previous rulers of England, the Tudors, with the Tudor Rose carved on pilasters (flat columns).