Wyvern dragon

Image: © Jonathan Kington Taken: 23 May 2011

To be found on each end of the roof on Image are two Wyvern dragons, this one being at the northern end. Often used in heraldry, the Dukes of Rutland have two supporting the shield in their coat of arms, Wyvern dragons differ from ordinary dragons in that they are smaller and only have two legs- the front pair being true wings. They also have eagles claws for feet and a poisonous barbed tail but unlike their cousins, the true dragons, they cannot breathe fire. Known in England as 'dragonets' because of their smaller stature, Wyverns will normally live in caverns or places offering plenty of security in woods and forests while they protect their hoards; the locations can be spotted by scatterings of bones and pieces of gold. A dragonet hoard can consist of as much rubbish as gold, they aren't very choosy. Nor are they fussy about their prey, attacking anything that looks remotely tasty. Be warned: never, ever approach a female Wyvern while she is looking after young, she can turn particularly nasty!

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