Marks of Cadency,
otherwise called distinction or differences
The first principle of heraldry is that every coat of arms should be unique – one man
one coat. The requirement that different male members of a family should
amend their arms so that each may be identified is known as cadency. Our
banner shows that on the shield above the bucks head is a ‘label of three
points argent’ otherwise known as a brisure. This recognises that the
Marquess of Hartington was the eldest son of the 7th Duke of Devonshire.
This brisure would be removed from his arms when he became the 8th Duke of
Devonshire.
Coronet
The Coronet of a Marquess shows two balls of silver, technically known as
pearls, and three strawberry leaves visible. Our banner clearly shows these
features.
The Snake
The snake nowed ‘proper’ that is interlaced in a knot displayed above the Coronet (not
shown on the Hartington banner) are emblems of wisdom, safety or security,
and justice, thus linking the crest with the motto.
The Square and Compass
In the second and third degrees our ritual instructs us as to the operative and
symbolic meaning of the Square and Compasses, however Bernard E. Jones in
his book ‘Freemasons Guide and Compendium’ says ‘It is when we combine the
square with the compasses that we find the most significant emblem in
freemasonry’. ‘The Chinese many centuries before Christ used this emblem to
suggest order, regularity and propriety. Mencius (b.372 BC) taught that men
should apply the square and compasses figuratively to their lives, if they
would walk in the straight and even paths of wisdom, and keep themselves
within the bounds of honour and virtue’.
The Level
Again in the second degree our ritual instructs us as to the operative and symbolic
meaning of the level. In the extended version of the second degree working
tools (not part of the Hartington ritual) the first part of the symbolic
explanation starts by saying ‘We have all sprung from the same stock’ and
the latter part of the symbolic explanation is very salutary ‘and that he
who is placed on the lowest spoke of fortune’s wheel is equally entitled to
our regard as he who has attained the highest’, and long may that be so.
continued
