Johnston Coat of Arms
Contributed by Janet J. Johnston
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Motto: |
Nunquam Non Paratus |
Motto Translated: |
Never Unprepared |
Coat of Arms
of the Ancient and Honorable Family of JOHNSTON
Contributed by Janet J. Johnston
The arms are thus described in heraldic terms.
A shield with a sable St. Andrews cross on white. The St. Andrews cross is the emblem of Christian faith. It is on the flag of Scotland
and symbolizes St. Andrew who is the patron saint of Scotland. Three cushions Or, on a gules field, are the marks of dignity and authority.
A helmet Argent which indicates the ancestor received the honor of knighthood. The mantling on the helmet indicates marks of glory. During
the 15th and 16th centuries, the knights frequently went on long crusades and the mantling was unfolded and used for protection from the sun.
The decoration on the mantle would also distinquish the knight when on the field of battle. The winged spur above the helmet is described in
the Johnston crest.
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Argent | Silver | truth and loyality |
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Or | Gold | great generosity |
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Sable | Black | consistency |
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White | White | faith and purity |
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Gules | Red | courage and bravery |
Johnston Family Crest
Contributed by Janet J. Johnston
Prominent on the crest of the Johnston clan is a winged spur. Legend has it that while John Baliol was King of Scotland, Edward,
King of England, tried to force him to make Scotland a tributary to England. Robert Bruce, a powerful Scottish earl, bitterly
opposed the scheme. King Edward, upon hearing of Bruce's opposition, plotted to kill him and was only prevented from doing so
by Baliol's sending the chief of the Johnston clan, known as "the Johnston," one of his closest confidants and supporters, to
Bruce with a warning. Fearing that a written message would be intercepted by the followers of the English king, "the Johnston"
carried to Bruce a spur to which he had tied a bird's wing. It was if to say, “spur your horse and take flight.” Bruce took
the hint and saved himself by fleeing. When he later became King of Scotland he conferred the crest of the winged spur upon the
Johnston clan.
Also seen on the Johnston family crest is the motto, "Nunquam Non Paratus," "Never Unprepared," indicating the readiness of Johnston
to go to the aid of Robert Bruce and of his country and then later for William Wallace, renowned as Braveheart, as he led a
rebellion against England and took the first steps toward nationhood for the Scots.
A quote about the Johnstons from Sir Walter Scott’s “Fair Maid of Perth.”
“Within the bounds of Annandale,
The gentle Johnstons ride;
They have been there a thousand years,
A thousand more they’ll bide.”
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