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Where did the name come from?
In the early 1600's, when someone named this vessel, there had to be a reason that they chose "Lion's Whelp". Here are a few theories. 1.) The line of vessels could have been named after the owner. The Buckingham family had a rampant lion's on their heraldic shield. By naming the vessel a "whelp", the family was making sure everyone knew who owned it. This assumes that she was indeed one of Buckingham's ten Whelp. Discussed partially here. 2.) There have been many warships named "Lion". Could the Whelp somehow be a result of a "Lion"? The Lion could have been so memorable as to make others want to take on her name. 4.) Could the
vessel be named after another Whelp? A ship called Lion's Whelp was owned
by Charles, Earl of Nottingham who was Buckingham's predecessor as Lord
Admiral of England. This ship was loaned to Sir Walter Raleigh for his
1595 expedition. If our Whelp was not in fact Raleigh's Whelp, it could
have been named after it. 3.) In the bible, a few people are named as "Lion's Whelp". Judah, the fourth son of Leah, is described with these famous words: "Judah is a lion's whelp; On prey, my son, have you grown. He crouches, lies down like a lion, like the king of beasts, who dare rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet…." (Genesis 49:9-10 ) Also, another man, Dan, is refered to in a similar way in Deuteronomy 33:7, 20, and 22. JHOM, 2/19/03. Could the builders/designers have had this reference in mind when they chose the name? |