New Forest RDC

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

NEW FOREST (rural district council)

Incorporated into: 1974 New Forest

Official blazon

Arms : Ermine a Stag's Head caboshed Gules between the Antlers an Arrow point downwards also Gules surmounted by a Stirrup Sable on a Chief Vert the Head of an Abbot's Crosier between two Crowns each consisting of four Fleurs-de-Lys affixed to a Rim Or.
Crest : On a Wreath Argent and Gules a Lymphad Or Flying Flags and Pennon of St. George the Sail Sable charged with an Acorn stalked leaved and slipped Gold and with a Chief of the last thereon three Gouttes d'Huile.
Motto : 'OLD YET EVER NEW'

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on April 27, 1955.

The background of royal ermine, the red stag's head and the green chief symbolise the Royal Forest. The red arrow, between the stag's antlers, alludes to the famous tradition of William Rufus' death. It is surmounted by the stirrup from the Verderers' Hall at Lyndhurst, formerly used to assess the size of dogs. The ancient royal crowns and the head of the crosier represent the connections of the Norman Kings and Beaulieu Abbey with the area.

The crest is an ancient ship with one sail, with the old flag of St. George formerly flown by our ships. On the sail a gold acorn against black represents the harmonious co-existence of the growing industrial district and the ancient forest community, and the motto echoes the same idea. At the top of the sail are three oil drops on gold to symbolise the importance, both local and national, of the Fawley Refinery. The crest thus combines the shipping and industries of the New Forest Rural District.

Literature : Image and information provided from here.