Civic Heraldry of the United Kingdom England

COLCHESTER

Additions : 1974 Lexton & Winstree, West Mersea, Wivenhoe

Origin/meaning :
The arms were granted in 1976, augmenting the traditional arms (see below) with a crest, motto and supporters.
The crest depicts St. Helena and the supporters refer to the town's Roman connections and local industries. The style of the crowns on the shield was also changed from ducal to ancient crowns. The council, however , mainly still uses the old arms.

The coat of arms first appeared on the Royal Charter granted by Henry V in 1413. The red represents the blood of Christ; the green cross, the living cross of Saint Helena; the three crowns, the three Kings from the Nativity Story; and the nails holding the three crowns, the nails which held Christ to the cross.

St. Helena was traditionally born in Colchester in the 3rd Century AD. In the early four^th century she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and discovered the true cross growing as a tree at Golgotha. Later she is said to have discovered relics of the Magi, now in Cologne (Köln) Cathedral. Three crowns also appear in the arms of Cologne.
The arms were altered at the time of reformation so as not to appear idolatrous. The living cross was changed to two white ragged staves and the nails were removed. These arms were confirmed in 1558 and recorded in use in 1634. The town council reverted to the original arms in 1915. These are not registered with the College of arms but are obviously very ancient.

Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones.

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