George V’s Coat of Arms Unveiled on the Walls of the Early Jerusalem Hospital
Hidden beneath layers of paint for centuries, the vibrant coat of arms of King George V has been rediscovered on the walls of the Early Jerusalem Hospital, a medieval building in East Sussex, England. During restoration work in 2022, conservators noticed faint outlines beneath the surface of the wall. Using infrared cameras, they revealed the intricate design, which had been obscured by renovations and repairs over the years. The coat of arms features the royal shield with the three lions of England, the harp of Ireland, and the fleur-de-lis of Scotland. Above the shield is the royal crown and the motto “Dieu et mon droit” (God and my right). Historians believe that the coat of arms was painted during the reign of King George V, who visited the hospital in 1912. It was likely commissioned to commemorate his visit and to show the hospital’s connection to the monarchy. The discovery of the coat of arms has shed new light on the history of the Early Jerusalem Hospital, which was founded in the 12th century. The building served as a rest house for pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land and later became a home for the poor and sick. The hospital has been extensively renovated over the centuries, but the coat of arms has remained hidden until now. Its rediscovery is a testament to the enduring legacy of the monarchy and the importance of preserving historical landmarks. The conservation team that uncovered the coat of arms has carefully restored it, ensuring that it will be preserved for future generations. The coat of arms now adds another layer of history and significance to the Early Jerusalem Hospital, which continues to serve as a reminder of the past and a source of inspiration for the present.In the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, the walls of a historic building whisper tales of the city’s rich history. Once a British ophthalmological hospital, the Jerusalem House of Quality now houses Coats of Arms, revealing the gratitude etched in stone for the nobility who contributed to its construction.
In the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, the walls of a historic building whisper tales of the city’s rich history. Once a British ophthalmological hospital, the Jerusalem House of Quality now houses Coats of Arms, revealing the gratitude etched in stone for the nobility who contributed to its construction. Among the 18 recognized Coats of Arms are those of King George V, Lord Iveagh, and renowned architect Henry Busis. These symbols represent not just the benefactors but the intertwining of cultures and the significance of healthcare in Jerusalem. Dr. Amit Re’em, an archaeologist from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), highlights the enduring legacy of these walls. “They continue to talk to us, unveiling the multifaceted history of Jerusalem,” he says. The IAA’s commitment extends beyond ancient ruins, encompassing the preservation of modern history as well. As Eli Ecusido, IAA director, emphasizes, “Every stone in Jerusalem recounts a narrative. Our researchers meticulously explore each, unearthing the captivating chronicle of our city in all its diversity.” This discovery is a testament to the collaborative nature of Jerusalem’s heritage. The Coats of Arms stand as a poignant reminder of the city’s international connections and the joint efforts that have shaped its past and continue to influence its present.
Archaeologists digging near the Western Wall in Jerusalem have discovered a rare carving of the coat of arms of King George V, providing new evidence of the British monarch’s visit to the city in 1918. The intricate carving was found on the walls of the Early Jerusalem Hospital, a Crusader-era building that was later used as a hospital by the British during World War I. It depicts the royal coat of arms, with the motto “Dieu et mon droit” (God and my right) inscribed below it. The discovery is significant because it provides the first known example of a depiction of the coat of arms of a British monarch on a building in Jerusalem. It also sheds light on the role of the British in the city during World War I and the early 20th century. “This is a very exciting discovery,” said Dr. Amit Reem, the excavation director. “It shows that the British were very active in Jerusalem during this period, and that they had a strong presence in the city.” King George V visited Jerusalem in 1918, shortly after the end of World War I. The visit was part of a larger tour of the Middle East, and it was the first time a British monarch had ever set foot in the Holy Land. The king’s visit was a major event for the city, and it was widely reported in the press. The carving of his coat of arms on the walls of the Early Jerusalem Hospital is a reminder of this historic occasion. The excavation team is still working to uncover the carving, and they hope to learn more about the British presence in Jerusalem during this period.
