Llanelli

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

LLANELLI

Additions : 1974 Burry Port UDC, Kidwelly (Borough), Llanelli (Borough), Llanelli RDC
Incorporated into : 1996 Carmarthenshire

Official blazon

Arms : Per chevron Argent and Gules in chief two Lymphads Sable and in base a figure representing St. Elli of the first.
Crest : Issuant from a Mural Crown proper two Dragons' Wings Gules each charged with a Fess chequy Or and Azure.
Motto : 'YMLAEN LLANELLI' - Forward Llanelli

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on October 22, 1913.

The main feature of the arms is a depiction of St. Elli, who was martyred in about 600 AD, and whose shrine gave the town its name. The two ships refer to the town's port.

The crest has a mural crown for a borough council, from which rise the wings of the red dragon of Wales. The blue and gold chequers come from the arms of the Stepney family who developed the town, provided the first mayor and paid for the grant of arms.

The motto "Ymlaen Llanelli" means Onward Llanelli.

Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones (laurencejones@eircom.net)