Coat of arms of Madrid

Official design of the Coat of arms of Madrid

The Coat of arms of Madrid (Spain) has its origin in the Middle Ages^[1], although it acquired its present look in 1967. In 2004 a decision was taken to create a logo from the shield which is used at the moment like symbol of the city and its council

Heraldic description

Heraldic design of the Coat

Argent, a bear of sable supported on a Strawberry Tree of vert fructed of gules. Bordure of azure charged with seven stars of argent. As Helm, a Grandee crown of Or and precious stones, with eight rosettes, five visible, and eight pearls interspersed, (which is commonly used in Spanish heraldry for territorial and municipal Coats) ^[2].

History of the Coat

Coat of arms used as pennon in the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (1212) by madrilian troops

Coat in la Casa del Pastor, in calle de Segovia, considered as the oldest in the city

When in 1212 took place the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa between Alfonso VIII of Castile and the Almohads, the council of Madrid sent a detachment in support of the Christian king. We know, by chronicles of the time, that these troops carried a flag or banner which identified them: a statant bear on a silver field. This is the first mention in history, of the shield of Madrid.

Soon after, in 1222, a fact took place that modified the shield of the town. The clergymen of the Madrilenian parishes confronted the Council for the use of the fodder in the fields and forests in the municipal jurisdiction. Those were important resources for both institutions, and both wanted the use of these lands. Due to the importance of both groups affected, a royal mediation was necessary. The sentence declared by Alfonso VIII determined that the fodder would belong to the clergymen, whereas the forests would pertain to the Council. This decision did not convince the clergymen, but satisfied the Council. In fact, the council was so satisfied, that it immediately modify the shield of the municipality, adding a tree as proof of its new possessions. The figure of the bear ceased to appear walking, to be over its back legs, eating fruits from the tree. ^[3]

Notes

1. ^ http://www.munimadrid.es/portal/site/munimadrid/menuitem.5fbdbaf471a1b0aa7d245f019fc08a0c/?vgnextoid=51ac315b048b9010VgnVCM100000d90ca8c0RCRD&vgnextchannel=56602c91497b9010VgnVCM100000d90ca8c0RCRD&idioma=en www.munimadrid.es
2. ^ http://www8.madrid.org/gema/escudos/e079.htm Dirección General de Administración Local Consejería de Justicia y Administraciones Públicas
3. ^ http://www.historiademadrid.com/2007/04/04/el-escudo-de-madrid-la-osa-y-el-madrono/

References