- Sword and Crown: Signify martial strength combined with legitimate rule.
- Lion Imagery: The lion, a symbol of courage and royalty, frequently appears in royal iconography during Edward’s reign.
- Heraldry: Edward’s coat of arms and other heraldic devices are carved to assert his dynastic claims and political legitimacy.
- Religious Imagery: Many carvings include religious symbols, emphasizing Edward’s role as God’s appointed king.
The “Hammer of the Scots”: Context Behind the Epithet
Edward’s nickname “Hammer of the Scots” (Latin: Malleus Scotorum) originated from his fierce campaigns to bring Scotland under English control.
The conflict began after the death of the Scottish king Alexander III and the subsequent succession crisis, which Edward exploited by asserting his overlordship over Scotland.
Edward’s military campaigns, including the brutal suppression of rebellions and the execution of Scottish nobles, reinforced his fearsome reputation.
The carvings and imagery of Edward reinforced this martial identity, projecting him as an unstoppable force against Scottish resistance.
The Wars of Scottish Independence and Royal Propaganda
Edward’s military ventures in Scotland were accompanied by a campaign of royal propaganda. Carvings and public monuments served to intimidate the Scots and rally English support.
These images were not just artistic expressions but political tools designed to shape perceptions of the king’s strength and divine sanction.
Monuments like the castles built in conquered Scottish territories were adorned with carvings that proclaimed Edward’s dominance. shutdown123