The massive entrance door, dated 1593, thickly studded with large-headed
nails, showed that the city fathers in former times had a lively sense
of self-protection from troublesome visitors. But the only besiegers now
were more apparent than real, as the covered footpath formed a
substantial shelter from a passing shower. Behind this a four-light
window displayed the Arms of France as well as those of England; there
were also emblazoned in stained glass the arms of the mayors, sheriffs,
and recorders from 1835 to 1864.
The city arms were ratified in 1564, and in the Letters Patent of that
date they are thus described:
Uppon a wreathe golde and sables, a demye-lyon gules, armed and
langued azure crowned, supportinge a bale thereon a crosse botone
golde, mantelled azure doubled argent, and for the supporters two
pagassis argent, their houes and mane golde, their winges waney of
six argent and azure.
[Illustration: PRINCESS HENRIETTA. (_From the painting by Lely, in the
Guildhall_.)]
The motto "Semper Fidelis" (ever faithful) had been bestowed on the city
by Queen Elizabeth, and Exeter has ever since been described as "The
Ever-Faithful City.
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