Braintree and Bocking

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

BRAINTREE AND BOCKING (Rural district council)

Incorporated into : 1974 Braintree

Official blazon

Arms : Gules on a Cross quarter pierced Or two Lions rampant in pale Azure and two Fleurs-de-Lys in fess Vert.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours in front of two Swords saltirewise hilts in base Argent enfiled by a Mural Crown Or three pierced Mullets Gules.
Motto : 'HOLD TO THE TRUTH'

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on March 21, 1927.

The shield itself has no special origin, but the lions and fleur-de-lis (lilies) are derived from arms of two important families. The blue lions are taken from the arms of William of Santa Maria, Bishop of London. He granted Braintree the right to hold a market and fairs. This transformed Braintree from a country village to a market town.

The lilies are taken from the arms of the Courtland family, who were the first to establish an important manufacture in the town. The three spurs are also taken from the Courtland arms, as is the motto. The family used the French versin, Tiens a la Verite.

The crossed swords are the symbol of St. Paul, as the Bishops of London were for several canturies Lords of the Manor of Braintree. The patron saint of London is St. Paul.

Literature : Scott-Giles, C.W. : Civic heraldry of England and Wales, London, 1932; Briggs, G. : Civic and corporate heraldry. Heraldry Today, Ramsbury, 1971.