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John Reynolds LRPS | all galleries >> Cathedrals >> Canterbury and its cathedral > Heraldic shield of Thomas Becket
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17-JUL-2012 John Reynolds

Heraldic shield of Thomas Becket

Canterbury cathedral

This is situated on the ceiling of the Great Cloister. The left side of the shield represents the cape Thomas Becket wore and the sash around his neck forming the Y shape. On the right side are three red-billed choughs (a sea bird found on the coast of several parts of the UK). This type of bird is associated with Thomas Becket but I am not sure why - I think I momentarily lost concentration when the tour guide was explaining.

Nikon D700 ,AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
1/50s f/4.0 at 120.0mm iso640 full exif

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Tracylee 27-Dec-2012 19:50
To my knowledge - Three cornish choughs associated with Thomas Becket represents how legend has it King Arthur's spirit formed into one of these birds - hence families with three coughs in their coat of arms might stem from the same bloodlines as King Arthur :-) Hope this helps.
Walter Otto Koenig01-Aug-2012 00:33
It's a halved coat of arms. The left side is the coat of arms of the Bishop of Canterbury, the right side of Becket. The use of Red-billed Choughs as Heraldic symbol is most unusual, and it's the first time I have seen it used, as the bird is known also as Sea Crow. The coat of arms of Cornwall uses it as a crest which is also unusual, but not inside the shield. (Sorry, Heraldry is an old hobby of mine) As for the image, it is fascinating to see this. "V"
woody3431-Jul-2012 23:06
Excellent capture of these shields ..and I do like your history info..great work.
Martin Lamoon31-Jul-2012 20:32
Great shot and history. V
Stephanie31-Jul-2012 19:54
Interesting information and super image John! Your lighting is ideal! V
Colin Storey31-Jul-2012 19:51
Lol at Brian, great image though, well composed and taken. v
Helen Betts31-Jul-2012 19:39
I quite like the composition here and appreciate the info. I tried to find why the choughs are associated with Thomas Becket, but came up empty handed, although several sources mention it.
Brian Samuel31-Jul-2012 19:20
Shame on you for not paying better attention to the guide. Can you go back and find out please? :0)
Then again I suppose the guide should be chuffed that you listened at all.
joseantonio31-Jul-2012 18:06
Very nice capture of these historic shield.V.
Chris Morton31-Jul-2012 17:54
colourful image - looks like 3 choughs on the right of main shield....only there should be a hair shirt scrapant somewhere
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