VALE OF GLAMORGAN

Origin/meaning :

The arms are based on the arms of lestyn ap Gwrgant, Ruler of Glamorgan, or rather those attributed to him, Gules three chevronels Argent. These arms have been combined with the arms of the de Clare family, Gold three chevronels Gules. The pile or V-shaped device issuing from the chief provides an outline of the initial letter of the Vale and its wedge shape may also be taken to be a very simple picture of a vale.

The supporters have been chosen as the unicorn to stand for Barry and the lion for Cowbridge, as these were part of the old arms of these councils. Each, to make it appropriate to the Vale of Glamorgan as a local authority, is crowned with a mural crown as an emblem of civic responsibility. The six churches which were founded in or about Llanilltud Fawr are represented by the number of crosses on the body of the lion supporter.
The supporters stand upon a 'Compartment', which presents in partly conventionalised form, the coast of Glamorgan with its headlands and inlets, beaches and cliffs; the garbs or sheaves of wheat which also appear upon the Compartment are a way of commemorating the agricultural activities of the Vale.

The crest derives from the 'Bear of Penarth' combined with a ship's mast and sail, as a reference to the Arms attributed to St.Illtyd which are of significance in standing for Llantwit Major. The tower from which the Penarth Bear emerges also alludes to Llantwit, three towers appearing in the arms attributed to St.Illtyd.

The Welsh motto is Undod-Cadernid-Cynnydd which translates as Unity-Strength-Progress.