3-081-490 - LTL/Heritage Images

Legend of the Four Blood Bars, 9th century, (1890). As Wilfred the Hairy (840-897) lay dying, the French King Charles the Bald (823-877) offered him a coat of arms in gratitude for his services. The king doused one of his hands in Wilfred's blood and ran four fingers over the count's golden shield, forming the four bars. From "Glorias Españolas" (Glories of Spain), Vol II, published in Barcelona, 1890.