Allerdale

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

ALLERDALE

Additions : 1974 Workington, Maryport, Cockermouth, Keswick, Cockermouth Rural District, Wigton Rural District

Official blason :

Origin/meaning :
The arms were officially granted on ??.

The arms feature a winged unicorn, surrounded by three cornucopias. This pegasus symbolises inspiration. The unicorn's horn represents purity and healing. Together, this charge shows the Borough Council's mission to care and preserve. A unicorn's horn also was also part of the arms of the Christian and Curwen families.

The crest features a green mural crown, suitable for a largely rural Borough. On the crown stands an elephant, symbolising integrity and unity. It supports a coal miner's pick, and has a ship shaped weathervane on top of the howdah for the maritime industries. It also refers to the harnessing of wind power in the district.

The dexter supporter is a sea dog, representing the people living in the costal and inland areas of Allerdale. The collar is derived from the arms of Fletcher Christian. He supports a crook, for the sheep farming of the hills, as well as rambling by visitors. A ship's chain attached to the collar completes the supporter.

The sinister supporter is a centaur. He suggests the Roman past of Allerdale and also hospitality and wisdom. Around his neck are the masks of Tragedy and Comedy and holds a bugle horn, suggesting the importance of drama and music in the Borough. The crosier is for the monastic and ecclesiastical foundations of the area. The centaur has a dragon's tail from the Lowther family arms.

The motto is EX UNITATE CURAQUE FORTIOR or Strength through caring and working together.

Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones.