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Montréal, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Francis Robert Hemmings, Paul David Hemmings and David Thomas Hemmings
June 15, 2015
Vol. VI, p. 506
Arms of Robert HemmingsBlazonGules a common kestrel stooping, on a chief Or three bees Vert; SymbolismThe common kestrel, also called a windhover for its ability to hover before descending suddenly, is used here as a metaphor for Christ or of divine epiphany, based on the poem “The Windhover” written by Gerard Manley Hopkins in 1877. The red colour of the field symbolizes the blood of sacrifice, and the gold for the quality of that sacrifice. The bees emphasize the central importance of work. |
CrestBlazonA common kestrel wings addorsed and inverted Or wearing a coronet treflé Vert and resting its dexter talon on a closed book palewise Vert edged Or; SymbolismThe book symbolizes the central role of learning for Dr. Hemmings. The symbolism of the common kestrel is taken from the Arms. The coronet alludes to the Irish ancestry of Dr. Hemmings’ wife Gisèle Thérèse O’Donnell. |
MottoBlazonTRAVAIL • SAVOIR • DÉPASSEMENT; SymbolismMeaning “Work, knowledge, going beyond”, the use of a French motto alludes to the French ancestors of Dr. Hemmings from Mortagne-au-Perche, Normandy. |
Flag of Robert HemmingsBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Robert HemmingsBlazonA ship affronty Or flagged Gules its sail Argent charged with a serpent glissant Vert; SymbolismThe ship and snake appear in the armorial bearings of Bristol, England, and allude to Dr. Hemmings’ ancestral origins there. The snake is also a symbol of healing power and fertility, symbolizing Dr. Hemmings’ profession as a obstetrician-gynaecologist with a particular interest in the study of infertility. |
Differenced Arms for Francis Robert Hemmings, son of Robert HemmingsBlazonThe Arms of Robert Hemmings debruised of a three-point label Gules; This individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his or her death; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Differenced Arms for Paul David Hemmings, son of Robert HemmingsBlazonThe Arms of Robert Hemmings with the chief embattled; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Differenced Arms for David Thomas Hemmings, son of Robert HemmingsBlazonThe Arms of Robert Hemmings with the chief wavy; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on October 3, 2015 in Volume 149, page 2337 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterDavid Farrar CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeIndividual |