George Cross Collection

Henry VIII, King of England (1491-1547) 1525, from Ancient Armour
STC136925 Henry VIII, King of England (1491-1547) 1525, from Ancient Armour by Samuel Rush Meyrick, 1824 (colour litho) by English School

British military medals (colour litho)
3639325 British military medals (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: British military medals.); Look and Learn / Valerie Jackson Harris Collection

The Children's Crusade of 1212, illustration from Hutchinson's Story of the British Nation (colour litho)
IL254255 The Children's Crusade of 1212, illustration from Hutchinson's Story of the British Nation (colour litho) by Skinner, Edward Frederick (1865-1924); Private Collection

The Resurrection of Christ, illustration from Festkalender
AFC215875 The Resurrection of Christ, illustration from Festkalender published in Leipzig c.1910 (colour litho) by Thoma, Hans (1839-1924); Private Collection; German, out of copyright

Queen Elizabeth I (1530-1603) Rallying the Troops at Tilbury before the Arrival of
STC221893 Queen Elizabeth I (1530-1603) Rallying the Troops at Tilbury before the Arrival of the Spanish Armada, 1588, plate 12 from Le Costume Ancien et Moderne by Jules Ferrario

George II (1683-1760) (oil on canvas)
HSC198852 George II (1683-1760) (oil on canvas) by Knapton, George (1698-1778); Bank of England, London, UK; Photo eHeini Schneebeli; English, out of copyright

George Cross (silver with silk ribbon)
1220179 George Cross (silver with silk ribbon) by English School; The Royal Mint Museum, Llantrisant, UK; (add.info.: Introduced 24 September 1940 by King George VI to recognise acts of heroism by)

Crusaders on route for the Holy Land (engraving)
KW212281 Crusaders on route for the Holy Land (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; Ken Welsh; English, out of copyright

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Amidst the annals of history, the George Cross stands as a testament to valor and sacrifice. This distinguished decoration, adorned with a silken ribbon, was first bestowed by King George V in 1914, in recognition of the bravery displayed during the Siege of Malta in 1565. The cross's rich heritage, however, can be traced back to earlier epochs. Henry VIII, King of England from 1509 to 1547, may have drawn inspiration from the Crusades, as depicted in this illustration from Hutchinson's Story of the British Nation, featuring children embarking on their ill-fated journey to the Holy Land in 1212. The George Cross, like the Crusaders, symbolizes unwavering courage in the face of adversity. Throughout the centuries, the British military has been adorned with numerous medals, each bearing witness to the indomitable spirit of its recipients. George II, depicted in this oil painting, led his troops into battle with unyielding determination. The Resurrection of Christ, as depicted in this illustration from Festkalender, embodies the eternal hope and resilience that underpins the George Cross. The George Cross, with its distinctive design, has become a symbol of honor and pride for the people of Malta. Valletta, the capital city, proudly displays the cross on its flag, a reminder of the island's storied past and the bravery of its people. The cross's legacy transcends time, linking us to the Crusaders of old and inspiring future generations to embody the same unwavering courage.