By Ruth Maguire, University Archivist

On 19 April, Loughborough University will be celebrating 60 years since it received its royal charter and became the first technological University in England. To celebrate, the archives are taking a closer look at the University’s Coat of Arms which represent the institution’s origins and aspirations. 

Although we only became a university in 1966, our history goes back to 1909 when Loughborough Technical Institute was set up by Leicestershire County Council to provide local facilities for further education. Renamed Loughborough College in 1920, it was granted a Coat of Arms which was later used as the basis of the University’s own Coat of Arms. 

Let’s take a look at the Loughborough College Coat of Arms:

• The red cross of St George, which divides the shield into four, signifies that the College was in England.  
• The device of King Offa of Mercia, in the first quarter, shows that it was located in the ancient kingdom of Mercia.  
• The peacock comes from the arms of the Duke of Rutland, Visitor of the College.  
• The book signifies knowledge and the hammer practice – together they represent ‘Training on Production’, a guiding principle of Loughborough College Principal, Herbert Schofield.
• In the crest above the shield a hand entwined by the serpent of wisdom holds the book of knowledge.  
• The College motto is ‘Veritate Scientia Labore’ –originally translated as ‘By Truth, By Science, By Labour’. 

In comparison, the Loughborough University Coat of Arms:

• The red cross was replaced by purple, the university colour.  
• Offa’s symbol was retained.  
• The book of knowledge and the hammer were replaced by the lamp of learning and the thunderbolt – representing the University’s association with technology.  
• The Duke of Rutland’s peacock was placed on the crest as a symbol of pride in achievement and holds the key of knowledge. 
• The motto remained the same, ‘Veritate Scientia Labore’. 

Here’s to the next 60! 

Keep an eye out for event slinked to the University’s anniversary celebrations and more information on the University’s history can be found on our webpages: 

University Archive | University Library | Loughborough University