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File:Rosa gallica officinalis.jpg
The Red Rose of Lancaster is as a small shrub producing richly fragrant, semi-double, rosy crimson flowers with prominent yellow anthers.
Flower
Rosa Gallica Officinalis, Apothecary’s Rose, Old Red Damask, Rose of Provins
Lancaster's Red Rose is an official variety and is possibly the first cultivated
rose
. The rose grew wild throughout
central Asia
and was discovered by the ancient Persians and Egyptians. Later adopted by the Romans, who introduced it to
Gaul
(France) where it assumed the name
Rosa gallica
. It is documented that
Charlemagne
’s court exploited the rose as a perfume. The rose was also appreciated for its medical value and was utilized in countless medical remedies.
File:Lancasterrose.gif
The Red Rose of Lancaster
Symbol
The Red Rose of Lancaster was the
House of Lancaster
's badge during the
Wars of the Roses
. Upon Henry Tudor's ascension to the throne the rose was merged with the
White Rose of York
to form the
Tudor Rose
. In modern times the rose was worn by
55th (West Lancashire) Territorial Division
during their campaign in Belgium; their
motto
was "They win or die, who wear the Rose of Lancaster".
Links
Lancashire villages homepage concerning the rose
55th (West Lancashire) Territorial
