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Civic Heraldry of the United Kingdom
Scotland

ARBROATH (Burgh)

Incorporated into : 1975: Angus

Origin/meaning :
The arms were granted on ?

The arms show a portculllis, which symbolises the entry to the famous Abbey located in the town, founded in 1178. The Abbey was founded in honour to St. Thomas à Becket, which is shown as a supporter in Archbiscopal robes. The other supporter is a Scottish Baron armed and holding in his hand the letter which the Convention of the Scottish estates send to Pope John XII in 1320. The Pope had ordered King Robert Bruce to make peace with the King of England. As the Pope did not name Robert King, his nuncios were shown no respect. The Pope therefore tried to excommunicate the King. The Scottish noblemen ( 8 earls and 31 barons) then send this letter to the Pope, stating that Robert was truly a King. The Pope accepted the letter and the political situation was solved. The Scottish thistles and the motto "Propter libertatum" (for liberty) refer also to this struggle.

The Community Council has adopted the old arms without supporters on November 10, as shown below.

Literature : Porteous, 1906; image from Ja-Ja card; new image from here.


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