The Arms of Sir Anthony Jephcott, Bt
Noel Cox
originally published in (Winter 2000) 75 New Zealand Armorist 10-11
Sir (John) Anthony Jephcott, Bt, second baronet of East Portlemouth, Devon, in the baronetage of the United Kingdom was born 21 May 1924. He succeeded to the family baronetcy, created 1962, on the death of his father in 1978. Members of the family have been resident in New Zealand since 1842. Sir Anthony lives at 26 Sage Road, Kohimarama, Auckland 5. However, his heir lives in the United Kingdom.
Educated at Oxford, and at the London School of Economics, Sir John has been managing director an chairman of a number of medical and scientific instruments firms in New Zealand. In this he follows the family tradition. His father, Sir Harry Jephcott, Bt, the first baronet, was Chairman 1945-61 and Managing Director 1935-56, of Glaxo Laboratories Ltd. He was later Honorary President of Glaxo Group Ltd.
Sir Harry Jephcott, Bt held the degree of MSc of the University of London, and was a Fellow (and sometime President) of the Royal Institute of Chemistry, and of the Pharmaceutical Society. He was also called to the Bar at the Middle Temple, and was for many years Chairman of the School of Pharmacy of the University of London.
The medical background of the family is plain to see in their armorial bearings, both in the shield and in the crest. The shield is Azure two chevronels between in chief a mortar and pestle between two escallops Or and in base an open book Proper edged and clasped Or.
The mortar and pestle are the indispensable tools of the traditional apothecary or medical man. The book is of course representative of learning.
A medical background is also apparent in the choice of crest, which is a dove supporting with the dexter claw a rod of Ęsculpius Proper the serpent Vert. Many grants to medical men and bodies include the rod of Ęsculapius.
There are no supporters.
Addendum:
Since this article was published, Sir Anthony Jephcott, Bt, has died. Sir Neil (Welbourn) Jephcott, Bt, is the 3rd baronet. Born 1929, he succeeded his brother in 2003. His heir is David Welbourn Jephcott, Bt, born 1952.