Bronze Plaque for Escudo de Armas (Coat of Arms)
Text
A low relief plaque made of bronze and fixed to the wall below the Escudo de Armas at the Government Museum in Madras.
The bronze plaque was produced in Madras and used to commemorate the "success of The British Arms" against Spain in the British invasion of Manila and Cavite in 1762.
The letters inscribed on the plaque reads:
Britannia Victrix
These emperial trophies of the success of the British
Arms at Manilha are erected by an order of Council
in honor of the bravery of the land and sea forces on that
Expedition under the command of Brig(r) General Draper
and Rear Admiral Cornish
Manilha taken by storm October VI (th) MDCCLXII
(October 6th 1762)
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Map The Government Museum, Chennai
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Date
1777
From Regalado Jose ( August, 2023) The fleur-de-lis in the centre of the escudo denotes the Bourbon dynasty, which came into power in the first years of the 18th century. My first guess is it would have been put up by Fernando Valdes Tamon, who was quite busy with fortifications in Manila and many other islands. After the British left, a new set of engineers rebuilt the principal gates to Intramuros; at least two are from the 1780s, and have rococo elements.
From Prof Victor Torres ( August 2023) Curious thing about the fleur de lis in the middle. The earlier seals don't have it. It seems that the fleur de lis was added when Spain came under the rule of Bourbon dynasty under Philip V.
From Regalado Jose ( August, 2023) The fleur-de-lis in the centre of the escudo denotes the Bourbon dynasty, which came into power in the first years of the 18th century. My first guess is it would have been put up by Fernando Valdes Tamon, who was quite busy with fortifications in Manila and many other islands. After the British left, a new set of engineers rebuilt the principal gates to Intramuros; at least two are from the 1780s, and have rococo elements.
From Prof Victor Torres ( August 2023) Curious thing about the fleur de lis in the middle. The earlier seals don't have it. It seems that the fleur de lis was added when Spain came under the rule of Bourbon dynasty under Philip V.
Origin
Manila, Philippines
Materials
According to the Museum records, this plaque is made of bronze.
Physical Dimensions
132.5 cms × 110 cms
Provenance
Museum records indicate that this piece was transferred from Fort St George in Chennai to the Government Museum of Chennai in 1851.
Acquisition Date
c. 1763-1765
Display status
On permanent display
Collection
Cite this Page
“Bronze Plaque for Escudo de Armas (Coat of Arms),” Mapping Philippine Material Culture, accessed April 27, 2024, https://philippinestudies.uk/mapping/items/show/29342.
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