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The History of the RCGP

The Coat of Arms

The College received the letters patent for the Coat of Arms in 1961. The symbols have three main themes

a)       those traditionally used showing medicine’s ancient lineage

b)       those symbolising wide knowledge

c)       those conveying the doctor’s caring and healing relationship with patients.

Motto
Scientific knowledge applied with compassion.
The Owl
“The owl is traditionally the symbol of wisdom. Richmond Herald was very keen that the College should have an owl for it's crest we told him we did not consider ourselves to be very clever or wise. He replied that his idea was not connected with wisdom and had to do with night calls.” [Forty Years On. 1992]
Gavel
The gavel entwined with serpent [held by owl] = gavel for chairman, serpent of Asklepious (Greek God of Healing) for medicine.
Shield   The shield is in two halves black and white meaning night and day, with possibility of influence of Barts shield. The shield is divided by a chevron which symbolises the roof of a house for this shows the care of the family and also resembles the practice building in which most of the work of a GP takes place
White Poppy   The white poppy on the top left hand side of the shield symbolises the relief of pain.   Blue Gentian   The blue gentian in the top right hand side of the shield symbolises the restorative and rehabilitation side of GP’s work. It was pointed out later that the particular gentian chosen was not used medically.
Lamp   The Roman lamp in the bottom of the shield represents the importance of study and research in the College and the links with nursing. A lamp is also a sign of enlightenment and comfort.
Supports   The shield has two supporters. On the left is the Unicorn adopted from the Society of Apothecaries (granted 1617) with colours reversed. The horn was traditionally considered a remedy for all ills.   The supporter on the right is the lynx from the arms of the Royal College of Surgeons of England originally granted to the Company of Barbers in 1569 : the lynx has keen sight and symbolises all-seeing eyes.

• History of the College