University of Plymouth
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UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH
Country: United Kingdom
Campus/location : Plymouth
Official blazon
Origin/meaning
The field is semy of silver estoils (a scattering of small stars) that represent navigation, which has played a key role in the history of the city and the University. Estoils feature in the shield of Sir Francis Drake and also afford an indirect reference to Lady Astor, the first woman MP (for Plymouth Devonport) who bequeathed her house on the Hoe to the city.
The red wavy bar with escallops in gold represents pilgrimage. This draws from the shield of Sir John Hawkins, another Plymothian seafarer, and the maritime heritage, and also makes reference to the Pilgrim Fathers, who left England for the last time from Plymouth.
A pelican and a golden hind support the shield and reflect both the original and later, better known, name of Sir Francis Drake's ship. The sailing ship in full sail, coloured gold, with red pennants and the design of the shield replicated on the sail, above a wreath of red and gold, also links in with Plymouth's maritime history.
The Latin motto on the scroll reads Indagate Fingite Invenite - 'Explore Dream Discover' - and is a quote from Mark Twain reflecting the University's ambitions for its students and the history of the great seafarers.
Literature:University brochure
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