The White Rose of York
This famous emblem of Yorkshire has been adopted from the House of York. It is believed to have been initiated by Edmund of Langley, the first Duke of York, in the 14th century. It represents the Virgin Mary who was often call “the Mystical Rose of Heaven” and is white as a sign of purity. On 1st August 1759, Yorkshire soldiers returning from battle of Minden, picked white roses as a tribute to their fallen comrades. Since that time the 1st August has been commemorated as Yorkshire Day.
