Mr Whitworth has painstakingly researched the use of these and other heraldic emblems in the city, and created more than 2,000 images of instances where they are employed.

The club’s crest has played a major role in the identity of Leicester City, leading to the club’s now recognised nickname of The Foxes, although even that is a more recent occurrence.

The first usage of the Stanley family's heraldic crest of the Eagle and Child was believed to be by Sir John Stanley, who adapted a similar crest from that of his wife the Lathom heiress, Isabel ...