The Griffin
The Griffin was a heraldic symbol adopted by Fulk le Breant a 13th century mercenary soldier employed by King John. In return for supporting the King, Fulk was made Sheriff of Oxford and Hertford and was awarded the Manor of Luton with the right to bear arms, for which the mythical beast symbol was chosen.
By a marriage to a wealthy widow, the Earl of Devon's daughter-in-law he acquired lands and property in the Lambeth area of London which became known as Fulkes Hall, the name being corrupted over the centuries to Foxhall, then Vaux Hall, and to Vauxhall as we know it today.
The griffin was adopted by Alexander Wilson, and by some chance of fate the company moved to Luton which had been associated with Fulk le Breant almost seven centuries before.
