Belgische Gemeentewapens - Armories communales de Belgique Belgian Civic Heraldry

BRUGGE

Province : West Vlaanderen
Additions : 1970 Assebroek, Dudzele, Koolkerke, Lissewege, Sint Andries, Sint Kruis, Sint Michiels

Origin/meaning :
The above arms were granted on July 1, 1986.

The arms were first officially granted by the Count of Vlaanderen in 1304. The lion is most likely derived from the lion of the Counts of Vlaanderen, but shown in a different colour (blue instead of black). The colours are known since the 14^th century.

The oldest known seal of Brugge dates from 1199. It shows a fortress and some fleur-de-lis. The second seal shows a similar composition. The arms first appear on the third seal, known since the late 13^th century. The seal shows still a fortress or city gate, but in the base of the seal is a small shield with the bars and lion. In the seal from 1289 the number of bars was increased form 6 to 8. The meaning of the bars, however is not known.

The seal of Brugge from 1311 (courtesy of Stadsarchief Brugge)

The crest shows a Gothic letter B with a crown. This logo was first used by the city in the 14^th century and was later placed in the crest.

The lion supporter is derived from Vlaanderen, the bear is derived from the symbol used by a chivalrous jousting society, which was very popular among the public. The bear was a very popular symbol, but was not part of the arms until the 16^th century. All seals between the late 14th and 19^th century show two lions as supporters.

In the 17^th century the motto SPQB, or Senatus PopulusQue Brugensis (council and people of Brugge) was added. The motto was derived from the motto of classical Rome, and indicated the city's administrative and judicial autonomy.

On October 20, 1819 the arms were officially granted and these arms were confirmed on February 26,1842, see images below. The arms are basically identical to the present arms, except that a crown was also placed above the shield.

Literature : Servais, 1955; Information leaflet issued by the Brugge council, 1987; Viaene-Wouters and Warlop, 2002. Older images used with permission of Dexia Bank. Image of seal obtained from the Stadsarchief Brugge (city archives).

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