THE DE BURGO LEGACY

The legacy of the De Burgo Family is still present today as their coat of arms is prominently positioned at the main entrance to Palmerstown House Estate.

According to legend, King Richard the Lionheart bestowed upon the De Burgo family their coat of arms. The arms where presented to a De Burgo ancestor in recognition of his bravery during the Crusades of the Middle Ages.

The Red Cross that appears in the coat of arms was the distinguishing emblem painted on the shields of the Crusaders invoking God's protection as they went forth to defend the Holy Land. The rampant lion – an heraldic beast reared up, in profile, and with its forelegs raised, the right one above the left – found in the “Dexter canton”, or right quarter, of the shield symbolizes courage, while its “sable”, or black, colour denotes loyalty.

The motto on the family crest reads “A Cruce Salus”, which translates as “Salvation from the Cross”.