Coat of arms of Glasgow

The Lord Lyon first granted a patent for a coat of arms for the city of Glasgow in 1866. Before this time, there were at least three official coats of arms in use. The first seal to use all the elements associated with the coat of arms was that of the Chapter of Glasgow, in use from 1488–1540, but they did not appear in something close to their present combination until 1647. Since it was first granted, various versions of the symbol have been in use. The current version of the coat of arms dates from April 1996, when it was granted following a local authority reshuffle. == Symbolism ==

The symbols appearing on the coat of arms represents the life and legends of Saint Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow, and are often remembered by the following poem: The tree referred to in this poem is depicted as an oak tree in the coat of arms, but popular versions of the story refer to a hazel branch. The bird referred to in the poem is a robin which was tamed by St. Mungo's teacher, St. Serf which was revived by St. Mungo after it was killed by some of his classmates. The bell is an item which may have been given to St. Mungo by the Pope, but this is not known for sure. In any case St. Mungo's bell was a notable institution in Glasgow. The bell no longer exists, with a replacement having been purchased in 1641. St. Mungo himself also appears on the coat of arms as the crest above the imagery described above, with his hand raised as if to give a benediction. == Motto on the Glasgow coat of arms ==

The motto depicted on the coat of arms is "Let Glasgow Flourish". The motto was registered at the Court of the Lord Lyon in 1866, and is a shortened version of the phrase "Lord, let Glasgow flourish through the preaching of thy word and praising thy name". == References ==