Coucy-le-Château-Auffrique

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COUCY-LE-CHÂTEAU-AUFFRIQUE

Département : Aisne

Official blazon

Fascé de vair et de gueules.

Origin/meaning

There is a story on the background of the arms, dating back to the 11^th century : Enguerrand I de Coucy participated in France's First Crusade (1096). Was awarded the arms as result of a battle wherein he and his men were attacked at night; he tore his robe into six pieces, and gave each of his men a piece. They successfully fended off the attack. Hence the six seemingly torn bands on the shield.

As this probably pre-dates modern heraldry, the story is rather unlikely.