University of St. Andrews

UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREWS

Country: United Kingdom
Campus/location : St. Andrews

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted in 1905 and augmented in 2006.

The crescent moon represents Peter de Luna, the given name of Pope Benedict XIII who issued the bulls of foundation of the University in 1413.
The lion rampant is taken from the Royal Arms of Scotland and represents the royal authority of King James I (1406-1437) who was associated with the foundation.
The gold diamonds (mascles or) are taken from the personal arms of Henry Wardlaw, Bishop of St Andrews 1404-1440 who issued the original charter which incorporated the Studium Generale in 1411/12.
The open book with the red page edges represents learning and the blue and silver cross represents the saltire of Scotland.