5.3.1 Oude Vlaenderen

Old Flanders

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(1: Oude Vlaenderen (Old Flanders), eight pieces)
(2: Oude Vlaenderen, twelve pieces, following the main-lines)	(3: Oude Vlaenderen, twelve pieces, not following the main-lines)

• Description of the arms
• Origin of the arms

(1) Gyonny of eight, azure and or; inescutcheon: gules. [Goe]

(2 and 3) Gyronny of twelve, azure and or; inescutcheon: gules.

Depending on the source, the arms of "Oude Vlaenderen" (Old Flanders) are a gyronny of eight or twelve. In the gyronny of eight, the gyrons are following the main-lines [Goe], whereas in the gyronny of twelve, the gyrons do or don't follow the main-lines.

According to a study done by E. Warlop, the descriptions of these arms all date from after its use, and moreover, there is no scientific proof that these arms were actually used by the first counts of Flanders. The arms have an important role in the history of the origins of the Flemish lion, however, and that's probably their only value. [Goe]

Last modification: 1997-07-27