Where does the Institute's Coat of Arms originate?
The Institute’s Coat of Arms was designed at the College of Arms in London and granted in 1958. The college is part of the royal household and it is responsible for both issuing and controlling the use of all armorial bearings through the Law of Arms.
The Institute’s Coat of Arms symbolises the origin, aims and scope of the organisation. The octagonal stone tower on the shield is in the style of Caernarfon Castle, the town of the Institute’s birth. The two hammers or jads represent the ancient tools of the trade and the coronet in between is composed of wattle flowers to reflect the link with Australia and the trefoil, or shamrock, with Ireland.
On top of the helmet is the crest - a quarry face with green-topped overburden surmounted by the lion of Scotland and in it’s paws is the key which is recorded as symbolising knowledge and freedom, and is also representative of the Institute’s commitment to safety.
A meaningful translation of the latin motto is ‘The fruits of the earth for the children of men’.
The original Patent of Arms is kept on display at the Institute’s headquarters in Nottingham.
About Us FAQ’s
- What is The Institute of Quarrying?
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- Where does the Institute's Coat of Arms originate?