Armorial Bearings
The above photo depicts the Grant of Arms made to Shawnigan Lake School in 1981 by the College of Arms in London. Key parts of the armorial bearings are described below, paraphrased from the words of Graham Anderson as cited from the 1982 Yearbook.
The “coat of arms” refers to the shield and all that is displayed on it. The overall design follows very closely the one which C.W. Lonsdale adopted and used for many years for the School. The maple leaves are a reference to Canada, and the wavy diagonal “bend” is a nod to Shawnigan Lake. The shield’s quadrants and the mantling (the ribbon-like forms to the sides) are in the School colours, black and gold.
The “coat of arms” refers to the shield and all that is displayed on it. The overall design follows very closely the one which C.W. Lonsdale adopted and used for many years for the School. The maple leaves are a reference to Canada, and the wavy diagonal “bend” is a nod to Shawnigan Lake. The shield’s quadrants and the mantling (the ribbon-like forms to the sides) are in the School colours, black and gold.
Atop the coat of arms is a tilted “helmet” and, above that, the “crest,” which is the upper half of a stag. The wreath around the base of the crest includes maple leaves and dogwood flowers, the floral emblem of British Columbia.
The School’s motto, “Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat,” is displayed on a ribbon below the coat of arms. It is technically not part of the armorial bearings because it can be changed at any time.
A “badge” is depicted below the coat of arms. It can be used as a smaller and less complicated form of the coat of arms. It depicts a stag’s head with a neck wreath of maple leaves and dogwood flowers.
The “Letters Patent” is the document which grants the School the legal right to our armorial bearings. It is hand painted on vellum. The Letters Patent contains the names of the applicants: Brigadier W.G.H Roaf (an alumnus and former Chairman of the Board of Governors), Darrell J. Farrant (Headmaster), and Graham L. Anderson (Housemaster). Graham L. Anderson – former student and long-serving staff member whose legacy lives on in many aspects of School life today – was an active member and leader of the Heraldry Society of Canada from 1980-2004. It was Graham’s intention that the Grant of Arms be a permanent memorial to Brigadier Roaf. Above the Letters Patent are the armorial bearings of the Duke of Norfolk, who holds the appointment of Earl Marshal, the Queen, as head of the Commonwealth, and the College of Arms. The Letters Patent has been signed by the Kings of Arms – the three senior officers of the College of Arms – and their seals hang from ribbons underneath their signatures and titles.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
The School’s motto, “Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat,” is displayed on a ribbon below the coat of arms. It is technically not part of the armorial bearings because it can be changed at any time.
A “badge” is depicted below the coat of arms. It can be used as a smaller and less complicated form of the coat of arms. It depicts a stag’s head with a neck wreath of maple leaves and dogwood flowers.
The “Letters Patent” is the document which grants the School the legal right to our armorial bearings. It is hand painted on vellum. The Letters Patent contains the names of the applicants: Brigadier W.G.H Roaf (an alumnus and former Chairman of the Board of Governors), Darrell J. Farrant (Headmaster), and Graham L. Anderson (Housemaster). Graham L. Anderson – former student and long-serving staff member whose legacy lives on in many aspects of School life today – was an active member and leader of the Heraldry Society of Canada from 1980-2004. It was Graham’s intention that the Grant of Arms be a permanent memorial to Brigadier Roaf. Above the Letters Patent are the armorial bearings of the Duke of Norfolk, who holds the appointment of Earl Marshal, the Queen, as head of the Commonwealth, and the College of Arms. The Letters Patent has been signed by the Kings of Arms – the three senior officers of the College of Arms – and their seals hang from ribbons underneath their signatures and titles.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
