Elements
The various elements of the coat of arms were chosen to provide a heraldic translation of the qualities of the BBC.
- Lion — the crest of the coat of arms has a lion above the helmet. The lion is the national animal of the UK and indicates the BBC's British identity.
- Thunderbolt — The lion grasps a thunderbolt in its outstretched paw, this to represent broadcasting itself (transmission).
- Eagles — In heraldic language the two eagles which grasp the shield are "supporters". Eagles were chosen to depict the inherent speed of broadcasting. Both eagles have bugles suspended from their collars, representing "proclamation", i.e. the public service element of broadcasting.
- Motto — The coat of arms features the BBC motto, "Nation shall speak peace unto Nation"
- Shield
- Globe — the globe in the shield of the coat of arms represents the scope and breadth of the BBC's operations
- Estoiles — Around the globe are seven estoiles, heraldic symbols for divine goodness and nobility. Their place in the shield increase the representation of the scope and breadth of the corporation. They also symbolise the seven planets in the Solar System other than the Earth. Following the later discovery of Pluto in 1930, there were eight other recognised planets; however, the number of other planets was again reduced to seven when Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006.
The background of the shield, the mantling (drapery depicted tied to the helmet above the shield) and the collars of the eagles are blue (azure in heraldry).
The style of the coat of arms has changed considerably over time; from the style of the motto, the formality of the lion and eagles, the alignment of the shield (it was tilted in early versions, and is now perfectly straight) and the addition of a compartment (the design placed under the shield, a grassy mound in the BBC coat of arms).
Read more about this topic: Coat Of Arms Of The BBC
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