Atherton

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

ATHERTON (Urban district council)

Incorporated into : 1974 : Wigan

Official blazon

Arms : Or on a Bend Gules between two Lozenges Sable a Lion's Gamb erased of the field.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours a Sparrowhawk wings elevated and addorsed proper perched on a Shuttle Or and resting the dexter claw on a Millrind Sable.
Motto : 'CONSILIO ET PRUDENTIA' - By counsel and by wisdom

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on May 29, 1951.

The black diamonds refer to coal mining and the lion's leg is from the arms of the Powys family.

The shuttle and millrind represent the cotton and engineering industries and the sparrowhawk is from the arms of the Atherton family. The second Powys Lord Lilford married the heiress of the Athertons of Atherton Hall in 1797.

Literature : Information from here