Coat of arms of Glasgow facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Coat of arms of Glasgow
Armiger	None
Adopted	1996 (current version)
Crest	The half-length figure of Saint Kentigern affrontee vested and mitred, his right hand raised in the act of benediction, and having in his left hand a crosier, all Proper.
Blazon	Argent, on a mount in base Vert an oak tree Proper, the stem at the base thereof surmounted by a salmon on its back also Proper, with a signet ring in its mouth Or; on the top of the tree a redbreast, and in sinister fess point an ancient hand bell, both also Proper.
Supporters	Two salmon Proper, each holding in its mouth a signet ring Or
Motto	Let Glasgow Flourish
Earlier version(s)
Use	1866

The Coat of arms of Glasgow is the official symbol of the city of Glasgow. It has been used in different forms since 1866. This special design tells the story of Glasgow's history and its patron saint.

History of Glasgow's Coat of Arms

The official design for Glasgow's coat of arms was first approved in 1866. This approval came from the Lord Lyon King of Arms. The Lord Lyon is like a special official in Scotland. He is in charge of coats of arms and family histories.

Before 1866, Glasgow used at least three different official designs. The very first seal to show all the symbols we see today was from 1488. It belonged to the Chapter of Glasgow, a church group. However, these symbols did not look like they do now until 1647.

Since it was first approved, the coat of arms has changed a few times. The version used today was granted in April 1996. This happened after some changes were made to the local government.

What the Symbols Mean

The symbols on the coat of arms tell stories about Saint Mungo. He is the patron saint of Glasgow. People often remember these symbols with a short poem:

Here is the tree that never grew
Here is the bird that never flew
Here is the fish that never swam
Here is the bell that never rang

The Tree

The tree in the poem is shown as an oak tree on the coat of arms. But some popular stories say it was a holly branch. The story goes that Saint Mungo was watching a holy fire. He fell asleep, and some jealous boys put the fire out. When he woke up, Saint Mungo miraculously lit a new fire using a tree branch.

The Bird

The bird in the poem is a robin. Saint Mungo's teacher, Saint Serf, had tamed this robin. Some of Saint Mungo's classmates killed the bird. But Saint Mungo was able to bring it back to life.

The Fish

You will see three fish on the coat of arms. Each fish has a ring in its mouth. This part of the story is about Queen Languoreth of Strathclyde. She lost her golden ring. Saint Mungo was able to find it in the mouth of a fish caught from the River Clyde.

The Bell

The bell on the coat of arms might have been a gift to Saint Mungo from the Pope. We are not completely sure about this. However, Saint Mungo's bell was very important in Glasgow. The original bell no longer exists. A new one was bought in 1641.

Saint Mungo Himself

Saint Mungo also appears on the coat of arms. He is the figure at the very top, called the crest. His hand is raised as if he is giving a blessing.

Glasgow's Motto

The words on the coat of arms say "Let Glasgow Flourish". This is a shorter version of a longer phrase. Saint Mungo is said to have used the words "Lord, let Glasgow flourish by the preaching of the word" in one of his sermons.

Images for kids

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  The banner of the Glasgow coat of arms, which is also the city flag.