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Civic Heraldry of the United Kingdom England

CHELMSFORD

Additions : 1974 Chelmsford RDC

Origin/meaning :
The arms were granted on March 3, 1975.
The blue waves represent the Rivers Chelmer and Cam. The indented chief is taken from the arms of Westminster Abbey, holders of the manor. On the chief is a couped saltire from the arms of the Diocese of Chelmsford between mullets from the arms of De Vere, Earl of Essex.

The crest has a golden garb, symbolising the former Rural District Council. Through the garb are thrust a seaxe from the Essex county council arms and a sword from those of the Diocese of London.

The supporters are the blue lions of the Mildmay family. They hold symbols of the modern Diocese and ancient abbey of Diocese. The compartment is a stone bridge, derived from the old Chelmsford arms.

The motto is "Many hearts one mind".

Previously the city used different arms, see below.

The arms were granted on February 6, 1889.
The stone bridge recalls that built over the River Can by Morris or Maurice, Bishop of London. The crosiers refer to the Bishops of London, who held the Manor of Chelmsford and the Abbots of Westminster, who held the Manor of Moulsham. The lions are from the arms of the Mildmay family, who obtained the Manor of Chelmsford at the time of the reformation and were later granted the Manor of Moulsham by Elizabeth I. The blue wavy bars represent the River Chelmer, from which the name of the town is derived.

The crosier is a further reference to the Abbots of Westminster and the crossed swords are from the arms of the See of London. The circlet of oak leaves is a symbol of civic authority. The rock appears to have no significance, and although officially part of the crest was omitted in some representations.

Literature : Information provided by Laurence Jones

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