Archive Item of the Month – October 2011
4th October 2011
The University of Gloucestershire is celebrating its 10th birthday this month, so our archive item features the official letters patent granting the arms, crest, badge and supporters to the University of Gloucestershire, on 15 April 2002 (the University having officially been created on 22 October 2001), by the College of Arms in London.
The scroll describes the image below as the following:
Argent three Chevrons interlaced on base Gules on a Chief Azure a Cross formy Argent between two open Books proper bound Or. And for the crest upon a helm with a Wreath Argent Gules and Azure, Out of an Ancient Crown Or a demi Griffin Gules wings addorsed Azure holding in the dexter foreclaw a Horseshoe reversed Or, Mantled Gules and Azure doubled Argent.
And we do further grant & assign the following Device or Badge that is to say:-
Within a Bowen Knot lozengewise the base couped and banded Or, a Fleur de Lys also Or, the base terminating in a Sword Blade Argent.
And by the Authority aforesaid I, the said Garter, do further grant and assign unto the UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE, the Supporters following that is to say:-
Dexter a Stag Azure and Sinister a Stag Gules both attired and ungules Or and standing upon a Compartment Vert thereon a Chevron wavy reversed throughout Argent charged with another Azure, as are all in the margin hereof more plainly depicted, to be borne and used for ever hereafter by the University of Gloucestershire on Seals or otherwise according to the Laws of Arms.
This item along with others depicting the history of our institution from the 1840s form part of our University Archive. Please look out for a special display depicting the last 10 years of the University of Gloucestershire which will be on show soon in the Crush Hall at FCH.
University Archives and Special Collections display boards will also be on show at Park and Oxstalls for the celebratory open day on Saturday 22nd October, when the Archive Room at FCH (QU024) will be open for the day. The letters patent will be on display at Park campus.