Sapere Aude and Oldham's Coat of ArmsOrigins
The current Oldham coat of arms can be traced back to the Oldham family of the 1600s. Their family crest was "Sable a chevron Or between three Owls Argent on a Chief Or three Roses Gules" - basically a black shield with yellow chevron incorporating three owls and three red roses. In 1894 Oldham County Borough Council were granted a coat of arms which bore a striking similarity to the Oldham family arms with the added Latin inscription of "Sapere Aude". Meaning The owls that feature on both the Oldham family crest and the Oldham Council coat of arms are a reference to the dialect of the time - Oldham was pronounced "Owdum". The red roses were personal choice of the Oldham family although it's debatable whether or not they were used to show allegiance to the House of Lancaster. Their inclusion in the current coat of arms is a nod to the Oldham family rather than a hark back to it's Lancashire roots. "Sapere Aude" The Latin phrase Sapere Aude means "Dare to be Wise" although it's original and more correct literal translation would be "Dare to Know". The town adopted the phrase as owls were associated with wisdom although libraries and academic institutions had been using the phrase well before (the old Oldham Library has it engraved above one of it's doors). Influence The Oldham coat of arms can be seen in various guises in various places. This is partly thanks to Hugh Oldham, a notable patron of education and a Bishop of Exeter. Manchester Grammar School's crest is almost identical as was a large stained glass window at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Bishop Oldham was entombed in one of the Chantry Chapels at Exeter Cathedral where the walls are decorated with owls. The Oldham arms can also be seen sculpted in stone on the tower of Bishop's Palace, Exeter. Examples The gallery to the right showcases some examples of the Oldham coat of arms in use. It can been seen in some unlikely places (and obvious ones). |
Should you be overcome with pride at the sight of the Oldham coat of arms or if you know someone called Oldham who is particularly difficult to buy gifts for then you could do worse than go to Zazzle. They can customise almost anything with the design and have different Oldham themes. Products range from T-shirts to I-Pod holders.
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