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The Anglia Television Knight

The Anglia Knight is over 100 years old and was commissioned originally by the King of the Netherlands.

The king was a patron of a society called The Falcon Club, which met once a year to compete in horse races, falconry and other sports.

In 1850, the King felt so confident that he would win the contest that he commissioned a trophy from a London firm of silversmiths. The trophy was modelled on the statue of Richard Coeur de Lion, which stands outside the House of Parliament, but it was made to represent the Black Prince.

However, to the King's dismay it was won by an Englishman and brought back to Britain where it remained in the possession of the victor's family until 1959 – the year Anglia first went on the air.

A famous firm of Bond Street jewellers and goldsmiths (Aspreys) was commissioned to make certain modifications – including the pennant on the lance – and the magnificent trophy became the famous symbol of Anglia Television.

The Anglia Knight is made of sterling silver and weighs over 700 ounces. The detailed work was hand-chased by a superb craftsman.

The music that is heard when the knight is on air is part of Handel's Water Music, specially arranged for Anglia Television by Sir Malcolm Sargent.

Thanks to Steve Hearn and Adrian Ruck for this.


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