Horsham

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

HORSHAM

District Council

Additions : 1974 Chanctonbury RDC, Horsham UDC, Horsham RDC

Official blazon

Arms : Azure a Lion rampant Argent resting the dexter hind foot on a representation of the letter H Or and charged on the shoulder with a Cross crosslet fitchy Gules all within a Bordure of the second.
Crest : Issuant from a Mural Crown Or between two Lilies in bend sinister slipped and leaved proper a demi Lion charged on the shoulder with a Cross crosslet fitchy Gules; Mantled Azure doubled Argent.
Motto : 'PROUDLY WE SERVE'

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted in 1975.

The lion is derived from the arms of the De Braose and Mowbray families, Lords of the Manor during the Middle Ages. In the Horsham shield it is displayed on a blue background with its right foot resting on a representation of the letter "H" for Horsham. The whole of the shield is shown within a white border, added in 1975.

The crest displays the same lion between two lilies, which alludes to the dedication of the parish church of St. Mary's. The lion rises from behind a gold mural crown which is symbolic of local government. Since 1975 both lions are charged on the shoulder with a cross, derived from the arms of the Duke of Norfolk, who presented a reconstructed Town Hall to Horsham in 1888.

The Council's motto, 'Proudly We Serve', is included in the Arms.

Urban District Council

Official blazon

Arms : Azure a Lion rampant argent resting the dexter hind foot on a representation of the letter H Or.
Crest : Issuant from a mural crown Or a demi lion, between two lilies in bend sinister, slipped and leaved proper.
Motto : 'PROUDLY WE SERVE'

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on October 17, 1944.

For the explanation, see above.

The arms in the Coffee Hag albums +/- 1925

Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones.