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Civic Heraldry of the United Kingdom Wales

CARDIFF

Origin/meaning :
The arms were granted on 26 August 1906, the crest on 6 October 1906. The arms were exemplified on 15 February 1907, the supporters granted on 25 February 1907 and augmented on 19 October 1956, the whole arms exemplified on 23 October 1956, and finally adopted by the city and county of Cardiff in 1996.

The Shield of Arms bears a Red Dragon (the emblem of Wales) upholding a standard upon which is emblazoned the bearing of three chevrons argent upon red attributed to Iestin ap Gwrgant, the last Prince of Glamorgan, who lived in Cardiff Castle about 1030-1080. In later times, the bearings became the Arms of the Lords of Glamorgan and Cardiff. Thus the Welsh and Norman history of the City is suggested and the Chevrons of the former arms are retained. The Dragon plants the staff of the standard upon a green mount whereon he stands, and from which springs the leek (the floral emblem of Wales). The motto beneath the shield reads 'Y ddraig goch ddry cychwyn' (the Red Dragon will lead the way). The whole bearing symbolises the City and County of Cardiff in its metropolitan character.

The Crest consists of a Tudor Rose and Three Ostrich Feathers argent, issuing out of a Mural Crown. The Three Ostrich Feathers form the badge of the Princes of Wales, and their use was specially authorized by Royal Warrant. The Tudor Rose and the Mural Crown (part of the old Arms of Cardiff) are reminiscent of the past history of the City.

The motto for the crest reads ' Deffro mae'n ddydd' (Awake, it is day).

The Crest is supported by a tilting helmet of ancient form.

The Supporters of the shield are, on the dexter side, a Welsh goat (an ancient emblem of the mountains of Wales), and on the sinister side, a hippocamp or sea-horse (representing the Severn Sea and the carrying trade of the port). The Royal Badge for Wales is pendant by a golden chain from the neck of each supporter, pursuant to Royal Warrant and Authority of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following the recognition of the City of Cardiff as the Capital of Wales.

As a whole, the Arms depict the status of the City and County of Cardiff as the metropolitan city of Wales and its commercial position linking the mountains with the sea. The Crest and the Royal Badge denote special Royal favours to the City as well as its fealty to the Crown. The accessories touch symbolically upon the ancient traditions of the City.

Literature : Scott-Giles, C.W. : Civic heraldry of England and Wales, London, 1932 and information provided by the Cardiff Council.

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