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BOSTON

Additions : 1974 Boston RDC

Origin/meaning :
In 1974 the Borough was enlarged by the addition of the Boston Rural District, and new arms were granted which incorporated parts of the arms of the Rural District, granted in 1953.
The gold field of the new arms is for the arable farm land, on which is placed a chevron with the three coronets of the 1568 arms. The green chief has a garb between windmill sails, refer to the characteristic Dutch-type draining of the area.
The woolpack and ram reappear in the new crest, held by a lion. The Lion relates to King John and alludes to his journey to Swineshead after losing his treasure in the Wash.
The mermaids have been retained, upon waves for the River Witham and other minor watercourses.
The motto was used by the Rural District, and is a pun on the name of the River Witham.

Boston was originally allowed and confirmed arms, crest and supporters in 1568 (image see below). The black shield bears three Princes Coronets representing the three large landowners of Boston in 1568, the Duke of Richmond, the Duke of Suffolk and the Duke of Brittany. The crest shows a woolpack and ram are showing that Boston was a staple town for wool.

The supporters are mermaids, and local tradition has it that the Mermaids signify the connection between the Borough and two women of note in the reign of Henry VIII - Anne Boleyn and Princess Mary, Duchess of Suffolk.

Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones

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