THE COMMONWEALTH HALL COAT OF ARMS(3)
*Interpretation by the College of Arms*
The College of Arms, the body that designed the Coat of Arms, interpreted it as follows in a letter to the Hall Master dated 9th August, 1957.
*"The symbolism may be explained thus... The main charge of an heraldic carbocle or escarbuncle is intended to allude to the name of the Hall, for this charge, deriving from the strengthening strips of a shield, can be regarded as portraying the strength that association brings to all members of the Commonwealth in association together, the ray-like limbs emanating from the centre suggesting the Independence of each member of the Commonwealth, while each remains a part of the while. This carbocle is set against a background of azure and gold and countercharged to suggest the diversity of the Commonwealth in all quarters of the globe but with its essential unity unimpaired. The bordure of red in itself is appropriate to a body that is part of another ( in this instance, of the University) and that Commonwealth Hall is the third in date is shown by the three mullets or stars, each being as well of course the Ghanese (sic) star itself."*
In plain, modern English:
The Commonwealth of Nations consists of a number independent nations bound together by a common heritage. The eight(8) radiating rods or spokes are meant to represent the name of the Hall and also to show that the Hall has been named after the Commonwealth of Nations.
The rods or spokes or strips have been set against a background of blue and gold colors alternating. The different colors show the racial diversity of the Commonwealth of Nations while the spokes or rods or strips coming together at the base shows the unity in diversity of the Commonwealth of Nations.
The border in red shows that the Hall is part of a larger whole, the University. The three black stars represent the Black Star that Ghana is and also show that Commonwealth Hall is the third Hall to be built in the University. (after Legon Hall and Akuafo Hall).
An official of the College of Arms had this to say about a Crest:
*"I understand that Commonwealth Hall is the largest of the three in the University and is situated in a higher location than the others.*
*"It is for you (Hall Authorities) to decide whether you like a crest in deference to these facts and if so, a crest of a leopard with a sun behind his head is suggested, these devices having been mentioned as appropriate in previous correspondence with Professor Varley."*
The suggestion was obviously accepted, hence the design and addition of the Crest to the Coat of Arms.
*To be continued*
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