Earl of Plymouth COA (England) T-Shirt: Design Description
This t-shirt showcases the heraldic artistry associated with the Earldom of Plymouth, specifically focusing on two distinct coat of arms representations.
First Creation (1675) Design
The design features a coat of arms that reflects royal lineage and acknowledgement of a natural son. The central element is the royal arms of King Charles II, a powerful symbol of authority and heritage. Overlaid upon these arms is a baton sinister vair – a diagonal stripe colored in alternating blue and white segments. This "baton sinister" is the heraldic mark of illegitimacy, signifying the Earl's descent from the King through a non-marital union, and adding a unique visual element.
Third Creation (1905) Design
This design presents the coat of arms granted to the 1st Earl of Plymouth in the revival of the title in 1905. It's a visually complex composition, rich with symbolism.
The shield is divided, combining elements from two prominent families. The upper portions showcase the Clive Arms: a silver shield (argent) bearing a black horizontal band (fess sable) across its center, on which three gold stars (mullets or) are displayed. The lower portion includes the Windsor Arms: a red field (gules) bearing a silver saltire (St. Andrew’s Cross or saltire argent), between twelve gold crosses-crosslet (crosses-crosslet or). This arrangement demonstrates a union of families.
Above the shield, the crest depicts a silver griffin (griffin statant argent), standing proudly and adorned with a red coronet (ducally gorged gules). This griffin adds a sense of strength and vigilance. Flanking the shield, two silver unicorns (unicorns argent) stand as supporters, their horns, manes, and hooves rendered in gold (armed, maned, tufted, and unguled or). The family motto, "Je me fie en Dieu" (“I trust in God”), is also featured.
