Lancashire

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

LANCASHIRE

Partly incorporated into : 1974 Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Merseyside

Official blazon

Arms : Gules three Piles two issuant from the chief and one in base Or each charged with a Rose of the field barbed and seeded proper.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours a Lion passant guardant proper charged on the body with a Mascle Gules and resting the dexter forepaw on an Escocheon of the above said Arms.
Supporters : On either side a Lion proper gorged with a Collar Vair pendent therefrom an Escocheon of the following Arms viz. Gules three Piles two issuant from the chief and one in base Or each charged with a Rose Gules barbed and seeded proper.
Motto : 'IN CONCILIO CONSILIUM' - In council is wisdom

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on August 31, 1903, the supporters were granted on October 26, 1903.

The arms are quite simple, showing the famous red rose of Lancaster in a distinctive design. The red rose appears in most Lancashire towns and districts.

The crest and supporters are derived from the arms of the Ferrers family, earls of Derby. The lions, mascule and vair pattern all feature in tha arms of the family who have been prominent land owners in the county.

Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones