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Belgische Gemeentewapens - Armories communales de Belgique Belgian Civic Heraldry

LIÈGE

Province : Liège
Additions : 1976 Angleur, Bressoux, Chênée, Glain, Grivegnée, Jupille-sur-Meuse, Rocourt, Sclessin, Wandre

Origin/meaning :

The present arms were officially granted on February 1st, 1947, and may surrounded by several chains of military decorations.
The arms of Liège show a monument or 'perron'. The perron is most likely derived form an actual monument in the city. It is first seen on a coin of Hendrik II of Limburg, as Prince-Bishop of Liège, dating between 1145 and 1165. The perron was shown freely on coins until the mid 14^th century, when the symbol was placed in a shield. Whether the city at the time already used it as city arms is not known.
Ever since the perron, including the base with the three lions, has been the arms of the city. The actual shape, however has varied widely during the centuries, and similarly, not all images show the lions. In the late 17^th century the whole name, LIÈGE was shown around the perron. The letters L and G appear for the first time in the late 18^th century.

Literature : Servais, 1955

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