Arms of Rhode Island

An anchor has been used as the symbol of Rhode Island since 1636, when the colony was founded by Roger Williams, a christian minister seeking religious freedom.  After receiving an official charter in England in 1644, the word HOPE was placed over the seal's anchor.  There is no recorded discussion of the meaning of the state seal, but given Rhode Island's religious foundations it has often been suggested that it has biblical overtones, perhaps  inspired by the scriptural phrase "hope we have as an anchor of the soul", found in Hebrews, Chapter 6, verses 18 and 19. However, Rhode Island's maritime associations are also accommodated by the seal, as the theme of Hope and anchor has strong nautical links.

The detail of the State Arms is taken from a large facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, published by John Binns, in a design registered in 1818 and printed in 1819. Encircling the text of the Declaration is a ceremonial chain with medallions bearing portraits of Founding Fathers and the arms of each state.  Binns hoped to distribute 200 copies of the design and it seems that at least one made it to England where, between 1826 and 1830, Thomas Mayer, potter of Stoke-upon Trent, used it to produce a series of designs. It is believed that he used 12 of original 13  states’ coats of arms as New Hampshire has never been seen in this series of pottery prints.

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Potter: Thomas Mayer

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