The Red Dragon of Wales

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The Red Dragon of Wales stands proudly as one of the Queen's Beasts, its regal presence a testament to the country's rich history and heritage. The original Queen’s Beasts were created by renowned sculptor James Woodford for the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953, a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of a new era in British history. The decision was made to gift the statues to one of the Commonwealth governments, and Canada was chosen as the recipient. In 1959, they accepted the offer, and today the Beasts stand tall at the Canadian Museum of History in Quebec, serving as a symbol of the country's enduring connection to its British roots. A replica set of the Beasts was created in Portland stone by James Woodford in 1956 and donated to Kew. Visitors to the gardens are greeted with these magnificent sculptures when approaching the main entrance of the Palm House, their grandeur a reflection of the beauty and tranquility that surrounds them. The red dragon has a long and storied history, dating back to Owen Tudor's use of it as a badge. The story of the dragon on Llewelyn the Last's castle grounds is an enduring one, and his grandson, Henry VII, took the symbol as a token of his supposed descent from Cadwaladr, the last of the line of Maelgwn. The Red Dragon proudly holds a shield bearing a lion in each quarter, a nod to the coat of arms of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last native Prince of Wales. This powerful symbol serves as a reminder of the country's rich heritage and its people's enduring connection to their history.