Stade

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)

STADE

State : Niedersachsen
District (Kreis) : Stade
Additions : 1972 Bützfleth, Haddorf, Hagen, Schölisch, Wiepenkathen

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

Stade received city rights in the 13^th century and was a possession of the Bishops of Bremen since 1180. The oldest great seal of the city dates from the 13^th century and shows three towers. A smaller seal, also from the 13^th century, shows only a key. The key is the symbol of St. Peter, patron saint of the State of Bremen. Coins struck in the city show since 1272 only the key as the symbol, but until the 17^th century the key did not appear on the great seals of the city.

In the 19^th century two griffins were added as supporters as was a ribbon below the shield with the letters SPQST (Senatus Populusque Stadensis). These are still used by the city, even though supporters are not officially used in Germany.