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The Hamilton coat of arms features a galley, or lymphad, with sails furled and oars out, representing the Earls of Arran. It also includes an oak tree, penetrated by a frame saw, symbolising the legend of the family's founder, Sir Gilbert Hamilton, who, when pursued by the men of King Edward II, is said to have cut down an oak tree to aid his escape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Motto | Through, Troimh |
| Arms | Quarterly, 1st & 4th grand quarters, counterquartered, (I) & (IV) Gules, three cinquefoils Ermine; (II) & (III) Argent, a lympahd Sable, sails furled Proper, flagged Gules; 2nd & 3rd grand quarters, Argent, a man's heart Gules ensigned with an imperial crown Proper, on a chief Gules ensigned with an imperial crown Proper, on a chief Azure three stars of the First |
| Crest | Dexter, in a decal coronet an oak tree fructed and penetrated transversely in the main stem by a frame saw Proper, the frame Or (Hamilton); sinister, on a chapeau Gules turned up Ermine a salamander in flames Proper (Douglas) |
| Supporters | Two antelopes Argent, armed, gorged with a ducal coronet, chained and unguled Or |
| Badge | Standing on a ducal coronet, an oak tree fructed and penetrated transversely by a frame saw, proper, the frame Or |
| Plant | Bay Leaves |
What You'll Learn
- The Hamilton Coat of Arms features a cinquefoil, which is taken from the arms of the Chief of Clan Hamilton
- The chain on the Coat of Arms represents the steel industry
- The six large links in the chain refer to the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth
- The blue and gold colouring of the Coat of Arms are the official colours of the City of Hamilton
- The coronet on the Coat of Arms indicates that Hamilton is a municipality with both urban and rural components
The Hamilton Coat of Arms features a cinquefoil, which is taken from the arms of the Chief of Clan Hamilton
The Hamilton Coat of Arms is steeped in history and symbolism. The inclusion of the cinquefoil is a direct reference to the Chief of Clan Hamilton, from whom the design was taken. The Hamilton clan is a Scottish lowland clan, tracing its origins to Walter Fitz Gilbert of Hambledon, who appears in a charter to the Monastery of Paisley in around 1294.
The cinquefoil on the Hamilton Coat of Arms is not without its own history. It is said that the three cinquefoils of the Hamilton shield bear a resemblance to the single cinquefoil of the Beaumonts, a branch of the House of Beaumont. However, it has also been noted that the single cinquefoil was also used by the Umfravilles of Northumberland, who owned a place called Hamilton in that county. This has led to a legend that the Hamiltons descend from the House of Beaumont, although it may be more likely that the name Gilbert, which appears in both families, is the true origin of this tale.
The Hamilton Coat of Arms features a number of other symbolic elements. The exterior frame of maple leaves, the trillium, and St. Edward's Crown follow the traditional style of police coat of arms for an Ontario municipal police service. The blue field represents the harbour of the City of Hamilton, while the gold edges represent the city's industry and wealth. The Royal Crown at the top of the coat of arms symbolizes the administration of Crown's justice.
The Hamilton Coat of Arms is a powerful symbol of the history and heritage of the Hamilton family and the city that bears their name. The inclusion of the cinquefoil, taken from the arms of the Chief of Clan Hamilton, is a direct link to this rich history and a reminder of the family's importance in Scottish and Canadian history.
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The chain on the Coat of Arms represents the steel industry
The Hamilton coat of arms features a chain, which represents the steel industry. The chain is comprised of six large links, each joined by three small links, and encircles a cinquefoil, which is taken from the arms of the Chief of Clan Hamilton. The six large links refer to the six municipalities that were brought together to form the new City of Hamilton: the cities of Hamilton and Stoney Creek, the towns of Ancaster, Dundas, and Flamborough, and the Township of Glanbrook.
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The six large links in the chain refer to the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth
The Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth was formed by the amalgamation of six municipalities: the cities of Hamilton and Stoney Creek, the towns of Ancaster, Dundas, and Flamborough, and the Township of Glanbrook. The six large links in the chain on the Hamilton coat of arms represent these six municipalities.
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The blue and gold colouring of the Coat of Arms are the official colours of the City of Hamilton
The blue and gold colouring of the Hamilton Coat of Arms are the official colours of the City of Hamilton. The Hamilton Coat of Arms features a blue background, or field, with gold, or yellow, symbols. This colour scheme is also seen in the Coat of Arms of Hamilton, Ontario, which features a gold cinquefoil on a blue background.
The Hamilton Coat of Arms is rich with meaning and history. The blue and gold colouring is just one aspect of the Coat of Arms, which also features a ducal coronet, an oak tree, a frame saw, a maple leaf, a stag, a tiger, and a chain. Each of these symbols has its own significance, which together tell the story of the City of Hamilton and its people.
The Hamilton Coat of Arms is a source of pride and identity for the people of Hamilton, serving as a reminder of their shared history, values, and aspirations.
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The coronet on the Coat of Arms indicates that Hamilton is a municipality with both urban and rural components
The coronet on the Hamilton Coat of Arms is a symbol that indicates the municipality's composition. Hamilton, as a city, encompasses both urban and rural areas, and the coronet on the coat of arms is a visual representation of this unique blend. The coronet is a type of small crown, often associated with nobility and royalty. In the context of the Hamilton Coat of Arms, it signifies the municipality's status and the coexistence of urban and rural elements within its boundaries.
The Hamilton Coat of Arms is rich in symbolism and historical significance. The cinquefoil, for instance, is derived from the arms of the Chief of Clan Hamilton, paying homage to the city's namesake. The chain represents the steel industry, while the maple leaf signifies Hamilton as a Canadian community. The stag and tiger, respectively, allude to the city's nickname, "Tiger Town," and its connection to the rural Dundas Valley. The Loyalist coronets honour the founders of the earliest communities, and the grass, limestone, and water symbolise the city's geographic features, including the Niagara Escarpment and Hamilton Harbour.
The Hamilton Coat of Arms serves as a visual testament to the city's history, identity, and the diverse elements that come together to form the unique municipality of Hamilton.
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Frequently asked questions
The Hamilton coat of arms has a long and complex history, with many variations. The design typically includes a combination of cinquefoils, lymphads, and hearts, in colours of gules, argent, sable, and azure. The crest often features an oak tree, sometimes penetrated by a frame saw, and the motto is often "Through".
The Hamilton family name is of Norman origin, coming to Scotland from England, and the coat of arms has been associated with the family since at least the 13th century. The specific design elements and their arrangement have varied over time, with different branches of the family adopting distinct variations.
The cinquefoils in the Hamilton coat of arms are thought to represent the family's Norman origins. They may be derived from the single cinquefoil of the Beaumonts, as there is a resemblance between the three cinquefoils of the Hamilton shield and the single cinquefoil of the Beaumonts.
The lymphads, or galleys, in the Hamilton coat of arms are associated with the Earldom of Arran. They represent the marriage arranged between Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Dauphin of France, by James Hamilton, the second Earl of Arran.
The oak tree in the Hamilton coat of arms is believed to represent an event in the life of Sir William de Hambleton, an early ancestor of the Hamilton family. According to legend, Sir William escaped his pursuers by exchanging clothes with a woodcutter and cutting down a large oak tree to cross a river.
