For a limited time, JM Bullion has a deal available for the third BU coin issued in the Tudor Beasts Series from The Royal Mint. The Bull of Clarence was one of the 10 heraldic beasts to line the Moat Bridge heading into Hampden Court, the primary residence of King Henry VIII. The Bull of Clarence issue from The Royal Mint includes 2 oz silver, 10 oz silver, 1 oz gold, and 1/4 oz gold.
The Bull of Clarence, also known as the White Bull, is a heraldic symbol that originated with the House of York during the late medieval period in England. Its exact origins are somewhat obscure, but it is believed to have been first adopted by Lionel of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence, who was the third son of King Edward III. Lionel likely chose the bull as a symbol of strength and virility, qualities highly valued in medieval nobility. The white color of the bull may have been a reference to the House of York’s use of the white rose as their emblem.
The Bull of Clarence gained prominence when it was adopted by the House of Tudor following their ascension to the English throne in 1485. Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch, used the Bull of Clarence as one of his heraldic badges to emphasize his connection to the House of York through his marriage to Elizabeth of York. This was a strategic move to legitimize his claim to the throne and unite the warring houses of Lancaster and York. The bull continued to be used by subsequent Tudor monarchs, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, often appearing on royal seals, coinage, and decorative elements in Tudor architecture.
The association between the Bull of Clarence and the Tudor Rose is particularly significant. The Tudor Rose, a combination of the red rose of Lancaster and the white rose of York, symbolized the union of these two houses and the end of the Wars of the Roses. When depicted together, the Bull of Clarence often appeared as a supporter of the Tudor Rose, reinforcing the message of unity and legitimacy that was crucial to Tudor rule. This pairing can be seen in various Tudor-era artworks, manuscripts, and architectural details, serving as a powerful visual representation of the dynasty’s claim to the English throne and their role in bringing peace to the realm after years of civil war.
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