| Coat of arms of the University of Cambridge | |
|---|---|
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| Versions | |
 Thebanner of arms, which serves as the University flag | |
| Armiger | University of Cambridge |
| Adopted | 1583 |
| Shield | Gules, on a cross ermine between four lions passant guardant or, a Bible lying fesseways of the field, clasped and garnished of the third, the clasps in base |
| Motto | Hinc lucem et pocula sacra (not affixed) |
| Use | Formal, ceremonial or informal contexts, degrees and official documents, competitions |
Thecoat of arms of the University of Cambridge inCambridge,England, isblazoned:Gules, on acrossermine between fourlions passant guardantOr, aBible lying fesseways of the field, clasped and garnished of the third, the clasps in base.Or in layman's terms:
On a red background, a cross of ermine fur between four gold lions walking but with one fore-leg raised, and facing the observer. These lions must always face the left-hand edge of the page or item on which the arms are displayed (which means they are facing right, heraldically speaking). On the centre of the cross is a closed book with its spine horizontal and with clasps and decoration, the clasps pointing downward.
— University of Cambridge Communications Team
The arms were granted at the 1573visitation of theCounty of Cambridge undertaken byRobert Cooke, the thenClarenceux King of Arms, and a graduate ofSt John's College. The lions represent the university's royal patronage, the ermine represents dignity, and the Bible on the cross represents both knowledge and the Christian faith.
The motto is not a fixed or necessary component of the arms, but the motto generally used by the university isHinc lucem et pocula sacra, Latin for "From here, light and sacred draughts". This derives from an emblem traditionally used by theUniversity Press, featuring thealma mater ("nourishing mother") of Cambridge with a sun in one hand, representing enlightenment, and in the other a cup collecting droplets from the sky, representing spiritual sustenance.[1]
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