Barts shield formally recognised in new coat of arms
A black and white shield used by St Bartholomew’s Hospital for more than 600 years has been formally recognised as part of a new coat of arms, completing a project begun for the hospital’s 900th anniversary.
The familiar shield is woven into the fabric of Barts. It can be spotted on buildings and railings and even painted on the ceiling of the historic North Wing. It is also used in the logos of several organisations associated with Barts. Its earliest known use dates from 1423.
Despite this long history, the shield had never been formally granted to the hospital. Work with the College of Arms began in 2022 to put that right.
The project was delayed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, when the College of Arms became involved in the State Funeral and Coronation.
In July 2025, King Charles III granted a Royal Licence allowing the current NHS hospital to officially use the historic shield as its arms.
The shield remains unchanged at the centre of the new coat of arms, joined by two lions reflecting Barts’ history and links to Kings Henry I and Henry VIII. A new badge draws on the story of founder Rahere, while the Latin motto Servire Sanare means “To serve, to heal”.
Today, the NHS logo is the hospital’s principal public identity, while the coat of arms provides a distinctive link to more than nine centuries of history.
St Bartholomew's Hospital chief executive Professor Charles Knight said: “We are incredibly proud of the extraordinary history we have at Barts, and our shield is a unique part of that. To see it formally recognised after more than 600 years is the icing on the cake of our 900th anniversary celebrations.”
The Letters Patent, the official document confirming the new coat of arms, will be displayed in the Treasurer’s Room in the North Wing, with a new information panel installed near reception in the KGV building.
Dr Bruce Wilson led the project alongside fellow Barts Health anaesthetist Dr Martin Lees, working with the College of Arms to secure recognition of the shield and develop the new coat of arms.
Queen Mary University of London funded the application and Letters Patent, while the Barts Guild funded the information panel and framing.
Merchandise featuring the newly recognised arms, including mugs and hoodies, is also available to buy from the Barts Guild shop in the KGV building.
Pictured: Dr Bruce Wilson leading a talk on the history of the coat of arms with colleagues.
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