CIVIC HERALDRY OF ENGLAND AND WALES-CAMBRIDGESHIRE (OBSOLETE)
|
ARMS: Gules on a Saltire Ermine between in chief a Cornucopia the horn Or replenished proper in fess two Pairs of Windmill Sails and in base an Eagle wings displayed and inverted Or a closed Book Gules garnished and clasped Or. Motto 'NIET ZONDER ARBYT' - Nothing without work. Picture thanks to David Hale, NSW, Australia. |
|
The red background is like those of the arms of the City and University of Cambridge, linking the original situation of the name-parish of Chesterton and the location of its administrative offices within the City and the association of many parishes with the University. The saltire represents the crossing of the ancient highways of Akeman Street and Via Devana in the middle of the Distrct; ermine representing Ermine Street as well as a reminder of the ermine cross in the arms of the University. The book not only symbolises this connection with the University, but also the literary association of the District with Chaucer, Tennyson, Rupert Brooke, Pepys, Boyce and Byron. It also refers to the situation of the famous Girton College and the Impington Village College. The cornucopia reprsents the orchards, nurseries and preserving industries of the northern parishes. The sails of a windmill suggests the agricultural areas and notably the oldest post-mill in the country at Bourn and the restored windmill at Madingley. The goldern Roman eagle represents the Roman antiquities in the southern part of the District.
The main colours of the wreath reflect those of the shield, which are also those of the de Freville family. The three fleurs-de-lys are from the arms of one of the principal families, Pepys of Cottenham and Impington. The bustard is from the supporters of the County arms and an emblem of the fenlands and rivers of the District.
The motto is that inscribed on a house in Fen Drayton associated with Vermuyden, the famous fen drainer - the only Dutch motto in British civic heraldry.
|
ARMS: Barry wavy of eight Argent and Vert a Cornucopia erect Or the fruit proper all within a Bordure Gules charged with eight Ducal Coronets Gold. Motto 'THESAUROS IN AGRO' - For we have treasures in the field. Picture thanks to David Hale, NSW, Australia. |
|
The shield indicates the topography and character of the district. The green and white waves represent the rich agricultural land and the River Nene and other Fen waterways. The horn of plenty, filled with fruit, flowers and cereals, represents the fertility of the land and its principal agricultural and horticultural products. The traditional East Anglian crowns are common to the arms of both the See of Ely and Isle of Ely County Council, eight in number to represent the eight Isle of Ely parishes comprising the Rural District.
The circlet bears the three black stars of the Towneley family, the lion is that of the Colvilles and the ducal coronet which links with those in the shield stands for the Dukes of Bedford. The staff bearing a banner of blue with a white lily flower refers to St. Mary in commemoration of the several monastic foundations in the area dedicated to her.
The motto is taken from the Book of Jeremiah.