Cross of St James

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The Cross of St. James, or a Cross Flory Fitch, is formed by a Cross Flory, where the lower part is fashioned as a sword blade (fitched or fitchee) - making this a cross of a warrior. This form is said to have originated at the time of the Crusades, when the crusaders carried small crosses with pointed lower arms, capable of being thrust into the ground at a time of daily devotions.

Most notably, it was the emblem of the twelfth-century military Order of Santiago, named in reference to Spain's patron saint, Saint James the Great. This cross design is also called the Cross of the Knights of St. Iago, as well as the Spanish Cross. Often this cross design bears a heart-like ornament on its top.