University of Leeds
UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
Country: United Kingdom
Campus/location : Leeds
Official blazon
Arms: Vert, an open book proper, edged and clasped gold, inscribed with the words "Et augebitur scientia", between in chief three mullets argent and in base a rose of the last barbed and seeded proper.
Crest: On a wreath of the colours, A Greek sphinx gules.
Origin/meaning
The arms were officially granted on August 10, 1905.
The mullets are taken from the arms of the City of Leeds. They derive, originally, from the arms of the Savile family who were responsible for developing Leeds in the 17th century. The book, with its motto, signifies learning.
The white rose, of course, refers to Yorkshire.
The sphinx and motto both come from an unofficial coat of arms used by the Yorkshire College before it became the university, see below.
The blazon is given in the college’s calendar (1904-1905):
Gules a chevron or, thereon a serpent coiled [actually nowed] proper, between in chief two roses of York irradiated argent and in base a fleece or.
Crest: On a wreath gules and argent [!] a Greek sphinx sejant gules.
Motto: Et augebitur scientia (And knowledge shall be increased).
The serpent comes from the arms of the Cavendish Dukes of Devonshire, one whom was patron of the college.
The arms were not registered with the College of Heralds because, when the design was approved, the fee for registration was greater than the Yorkshire College felt justified in paying.”
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