ALLERDALE
Additions : 1974 Workington, Maryport, Cockermouth, Keswick, Cockermouth
Rural District, Wigton Rural District
Origin/meaning :
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 (laurencejones@eircom.net)
coats of arms on-line ! 
