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BARNET

Additions : 1965 East Barnet, Finchley, Friern Barnet, Hendon

Origin/meaning :
The arms were granted on January 1, 1965.
The arms are largely based on those of Hendon, with additions for the added towns. The paschal lamb on a hill on a blue field are taken directly from Hendon's arms. This device was used by Hendon since the formation of a local board for the town in 1879. The chief recalls the arms of East Barnet. The roses with the crossed swords in the crest recall the battle of Barnet, during the so called Wars of the Roses. A similar chief is used by the Borough of Tewkesbury. The battle is the most famous event in the history of Barnet, so it is appropriate that this should be placed at the top of the shield. The chief is completed by a Saxon crown, taken from the arms of Middlesex County Council. Much of the Borough was in Middlesex until 1965.

The crest features a winged airscrew, previously used by Hendon. This refers to the headquarters of the Royal Air Force being in the town. To this has been added crossed swords as referred to already.

The supporters are similar to those used by Finchley. They commemorate the royal hunting ground of Enfield chase which covered much of the present borough. In Finchley's arms the lion and stag were in their proper colours. In the new arms they are coloured white and each charged with a red cross potent quadrate, emblem of the Knights of St. John of Jeruasalem, owners of the Priory of Friern Barnet. The stag can also be seen to refer to the hart supporters of Hertfordshire County Council's arms. Before 1965, the towns of Barnet and East Barnet were in Hertfordshire.

The motto means Unity Accomplishes Service.

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

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