BASINGSTOKE AND DEANE
Additions : 1974 Basingstoke town and RDC, Kingsclere & Whitchurch Rural District Council
Origin/meaning :
The shield forms a kind of heraldic map with the two former Rural Districts of Basingstoke and Kingsclere & Whitchurch symbolised by two beech trees, a predominant feature of the natural scene, on a background of gold representing agriculture. A narrow blue wave in the form of a chevron suggests the Test, Bourne, Loddon and other local rivers watering the district. Below the chevron is St. Michael and the dragon, which is featured in the ancient seal of the former Borough of Basingstoke and has been used in the past in lieu of a coat of arms. This is as shown in recent versions except that the staff in his left hand is topped with the distinctive St. Michael's Cross, with rounded ends as it is in the ancient seal. This cross may be seen prominently displayed in St. Michael's Church, Basingstoke.
The motto 'Steadfast in Service' is derived from the mottoes of Lord Porchester and the Earls of Carnarvon (Ung Je Serviray) and Lord Portal (Constanter).
Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones (laurencejones@eircom.net)
coats of arms on-line ! 
