Fountain (Fig. 257).—The symbol of a spring of water, is a roundle barry, wavy argent and azure, wavy lines having been emblematic of water from time immemorial. Its occurrence in the arms of Lord Stourton (Sable a bend or between six fountains) is very interesting as an example of heraldry of which the meaning is well understood. In the admirable account given by Mr. Fox Davies in The Art of Heraldry he points out that the manor of Stourton on the borders of Wilts and Somerset obtained its name from the river Stour which rises within the manor. The sources of that river are six wells which exist in a tiny valley in Stourton Park, which is still called Six Wells Bottom. When Leland wrote in 1540 to 1542 the whole six were in existence (some have since disappeared), for he wrote: “The ryver of Stoure risith ther of six fountaynes or springes, whereof 3 be on the northe side of the Parke, harde withyn the Pale, and other 3 be northe also but withoute the Parke. The Lorde Stourton giveth these 6 fountaynes yn his Armes.” In addition, not only were three springs inside the park and three outside, but also three were in Wiltshire and three in Somerset. The appropriateness of three fountains on either side of the ordinary is therefore manifest. Would that all heraldic origins were equally clear!
Fig. 258.
Fylfot (Fig. 258).—A symbolic figure which appears to have been used from the remotest antiquity and round which much literature has been written in common with its Indian form, the Swastica. Its presence in heraldry is probably to be ascribed to mere copying from some eastern example, though even thus a symbolic meaning may have been ascribed to its cross-like form, or perhaps some one of the transmitted meanings may even have been known.
It occurs in the arms of Sir Wm. Kellaway in a “Copy of an antient roll of Arms,” in the Heralds’ College.
In Japan it is well-known as the Mon or badge of the Matsudaira family.
Hammer.—In heraldry both the workman’s hammer, emblematic of industry, if it have no more definite symbolism, occurs as well as the military martel-de-fer. Examples of both are given in Figs. 259 and 260. Another instance of the first is in the Arms of the Blacksmiths Company of London, Sa a chev. Or between three hammers Arg. handled and ensigned with crowns gold; and with this is their swinging motto, “By hammer and hand all arts do stand.”
Fig. 259.