Ringwood and Fordingbridge
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Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom |
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RINGWOOD AND FORDINGBRIDGE (rural district council)
Incorporated into: Christchurch, East Dorset, New Forest
Official blazon
Arms : Azure issuant from the base point an Oak Tree the trunk enfiled with a Circlet Or and fructed of sixteen Acorns of the field on a Chief wavy Gold a Bridge of seven Arches of the first.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours out of a Mural Crown a New Forest Pony's Head between two Sprigs of Broom flowered all proper.
Motto : 'RURIS ARTES FOVERE'.
Origin/meaning
The arms were officially granted on February 1, 1961.
The shield is a simple representation of the name of the District. The oak tree encircled by a ring signifies Ringwood and the wavy line represents the River Avon and the seven arched bridge is for Fordingbridge. The oak tree has sixteen acorns, one for each parish in the rural district. The shield is carried out entirely in blue and gold, the heraldic colours of noble families long seated within the district.
The mural crown suggests the Roman and other ancient encampments in the district, with emblems representing the dual physical aspect of the district, namely, the pony's head for the New Forest, and broom for the extensive heathlands.
It can be noted that the three initial letters of the motto RAF correspond with those of Ringwood and Fordingbridge.
Literature : Image and information provided from here.