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Belgische Gemeentewapens - Armories communales de Belgique
Belgian Civic Heraldry

IEPER

Province : West Vlaanderen
Additions : 1970 Brielen, Sint Jan; 1976 Boezinge (1970 Zuidschote), Dikkebus, Elverdinge, Vlamertinge, Zillebeke (1970 Hollebeke, Voormezele)

Origin/meaning :
The arms were granted on February 20, 1816 and were confirmed on February 26, 1844. The complete arms show a lion as supporter, resting on a cannon, and are crowned with a ducal crown. Since March 31, 1925 the town is entitled to use the French and British military crosses around the shield.

The double cross is the oldest symbol of the city of Ieper. The oldest use of the cross dates from a seal of the city from 1199. The origin, however, is not known. On the oldest seal the cross is surrounded by two eagles, a star and crescent as well as two lions of Vlaanderen. The present arms, with a second cross of vair in the lower half, appeared for the first time on the seals in 1372. The shield was held by two lions of Vlaanderen. All later seals and images have shown the same shield, but the supporters have changed regularly during the centuries. The present lion and cannon appear in the late 18th century and have remained unchanged since.

The two medals were added after the first world war and symbolise the heavy fighting around the city during these four years.

Literature : Servais, 1955


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