The University Shield and Crest: past and present

Arvorum Cultus Pecorumque’

“The Cultivations of the Field and of beasts” Virgil’s Georgics Book 4 line 559

 

The Royal Agricultural University or RAU (previously known as the Royal Agricultural College or RAC) is a university located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, UK. Established in 1845, it is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in the delivery of education, research and consultancy in and relating to, agriculture and the rural environment.

The University motto is ‘Arvorum Cultus Pecorumque’, a quote taken from the Latin poet Virgil’s Georgics which dates back to around 29 BC and whose theme is agriculture.  The motto can be translated as ‘Caring for the Fields and the Beasts’. What more appropriate maxim could there be for a University which, in every facet of its teachings, now incorporates a wider understanding of our countryside?

In our current Archival display we present a brief history of the four crests or devices used by the University at different periods in its past.

1895

The first crest has a wheatsheaf surrounded by a garter on which is the motto of the College and further surrounded by the name of the College. The crown appeared to have dressed arches as used by Queen Victoria and is thought to signify that the Sovereign was a woman.

1901

The 1901 design is more complex in the centre, though surrounded this time by the name only with the motto on a scroll beneath. The Crown in this version has raised arches as used under Edward VII.

1922

The 1922 crest consists of the Royal Arms surrounded by a circlet bearing the legend RAC Cirencester with the motto on a scroll. The crown now has depressed arches which is surprising as a crown in this form was not in use at that time.

All three of these early crests are ensigned by an Imperial or Royal crown (i.e. with the crown on top).

1959

The modified crest that is in use today is a grant of Arms, Crest and Supporters that was made to the Royal Agricultural College by Letters Patent of the Kings of Arms dated 20 Septembers 1956. The Arms (on the shield) are blazoned (i.e. described in heraldic language: ‘Per fess dancetty Azure and Sable a Garb or in dexter chief an Estoile representing the Star Sirius Argent.’ The Crest is ‘Out of a Coronet composed of six Garbs set upon a Rim or a Ram’s head Sable armed Gold. The Supporters are on either side A Ram Argent armed and unguled or and gorged with a Coronet as in the Crest’ (Coll. Arm Ms Grants 118/253).

The original document from 1956 in which the College of Arms officially grants the Royal Agricultural College its Coat of Arms is an impressive document, beautifully handwritten in illuminated calligraphy, with the crest and motto in colour, 3 gold seals affixed to the bottom and the whole kept in a red box, engraved with a golden ER II.

Below you can see the various crests used by the University in most of its publications and artefacts (journals, invitations, badges, medals, cufflinks, rugby shirts and other clothing).

Any enquiries about the archive or the history of the University can be sent to the email: Archives@rau.ac.uk