The Story of the City of London’s Dragons and the Red and White Colour Scheme
The City of London, a historic and financial heart of the United Kingdom, is adorned with symbols that reflect its rich history and cultural heritage. Among these symbols are the dragons and the red and white color scheme, which have deep historical roots that are perhaps tied to the Wars of the Roses, Merlin’s prophecy, and the rise of the Tudor dynasty. It is speculation because it seems history has many missing pages, but it’s a fascinating look at all these elements of England’s rich past and prophecies coming together at this time.
The Wars of the Roses
The Wars of the Roses (1455-1487) were a series of dynastic conflicts between the House of Lancaster and the House of York, two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet. The struggle for the English throne was marked by significant battles and shifting allegiances. The City of London played a crucial role during these wars, generally supporting the House of York. This allegiance was evident during the Siege of London in 1471, when the city resisted the Lancastrian forces led by Thomas Neville, ultimately aiding Edward IV’s Yorkist cause[1].
Merlin’s Prophecy
Merlin, the legendary wizard from Arthurian legends, is said to have prophesied the struggle between two dragons—one red and one white—symbolizing the Britons and the Saxons. According to the prophecy, the red dragon (representing the Britons) would eventually triumph over the white dragon (representing the Saxons). This prophecy was interpreted as a foretelling of the eventual rise of a Welsh ruler who would unify the kingdom and bring peace.
The City of London’s Dragons
The dragons that mark the boundaries of the City of London are a modern representation of this ancient prophecy. These dragons, introduced as boundary markers in the late 20th century, are painted silver with red details, and they hold the City’s coat of arms, which features a red cross of Saint George on a white background, accompanied by a red sword[3][4]. This design not only reflects the city’s historical ties to St. George, the patron saint of England, but also subtly nods to the red and white symbolism from Merlin’s prophecy.
The Tudor Dynasty
The conclusion of the Wars of the Roses saw the rise of the Tudor dynasty. Henry Tudor, who became Henry VII, was of Welsh descent and claimed the throne by defeating Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. The Tudors adopted the red dragon as their emblem, symbolizing their Welsh heritage and fulfilling Merlin’s prophecy of a Welsh ruler uniting the kingdom[6]. The red dragon of the Tudors can be seen as a symbolic victory of the Britons (the red dragon) over the English (the white dragon), aligning with Merlin’s ancient prophecy.
The Red and White Colour Scheme
The red and white color scheme of the City of London, prominently displayed in its coat of arms and flag, is deeply intertwined with these historical narratives. The red cross of St. George on a white background has been a city emblem since at least the 14th century and is a significant part of the city’s identity[5]. This color scheme also resonates with the red and white symbolism from the Wars of the Roses, where the red rose represented the House of Lancaster and the white rose represented the House of York[2].
Conclusion
The dragons and the red and white color scheme of the City of London are steeped in historical significance, reflecting the city’s role in the Wars of the Roses, the fulfillment of Merlin’s prophecy, and the rise of the Tudor dynasty. These symbols serve as a reminder of London’s rich heritage and its pivotal role in shaping the history of England.
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