Radley College crest. From an original engraving by Dan Escott, commissioned by the Heraldry Society in 1964

BLAZON

Argent an open Book garnished Gules clasps and buckles Or thereon inscribed the words SICUT SERPENTES SICUT COLUMBAE between three crosses pattée of the second on a Chief of the last a Key in bend sinister of the first surmounted by a similar Key in bend dexter Gold between to the dexter a Serpent knowed and erect and to the sinister a Dove both proper

MOTTO

Sicut Serpentes Sicut Columbae

Heraldry, crests, badges, mottoes – the very root and branch of tradition.  The symbols that say ‘we are here’ and ‘here we stay.’  The colours of identity.  A complex pattern which is instantly recognisable to anyone associated with an institution. Unchanging.  But even something so traditional grew organically over time and was not there for the first sixty one years of the College’s life. Here is the story of the college crest ….