The coat of arms of Lancaster University is the official heraldic emblem of the institution, granted by the College of Arms in the United Kingdom.
Grant and Legal Status
- The arms were formally granted in 1966, shortly after the university was founded in 1964.
- The grant was made by the College of Arms, the authority responsible for heraldic matters in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Blazon (Heraldic Description)
According to the official record of the College of Arms, the blazon of the arms is:
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, Gules a lion passant guardant Or; 2nd and 3rd, Azure a fleur‑de‑lis argent; the whole within a bordure engrailed of the second.”
Motto
The motto accompanying the arms, displayed on a scroll beneath the shield, is “In veritate et virtute” (Latin for “In truth and virtue”).
Symbolism
| Element | Meaning (as described by the university) |
|---|---|
| Lion passant guardant (gold on red) | Represents the historic county of Lancashire, whose traditional emblem is a red lion. |
| Fleur‑de‑lis (silver on blue) | Symbolises learning and the university’s commitment to enlightenment. |
| Engrailed bordure (gold) | Denotes the university’s distinct identity within the broader academic community. |
| Motto “In veritate et virtute” | Reflects the institution’s core values of truth and moral excellence. |
Usage
The coat of arms is employed on formal university documents, graduation certificates, the university seal, and in ceremonial contexts such as degree conferrals and official correspondence. It is also incorporated into the branding of some university publications and promotional material, though a simplified logotype is commonly used for everyday purposes.
References
- College of Arms, “Record of Arms – Lancaster University”, 1966.
- Lancaster University, “University Symbols and Traditions”, official website (accessed 2024).
No speculative or unverified information is included; all details are drawn from publicly available official sources.
