Wellington (Shropshire)

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

WELLINGTON

Incorporated into : 1974 Telford and Wrekin

Official blazon

Arms : Argent fretty Gules a Lion rampant Sable on a Chief of the last a Castle of the first between two Fleurs-de-Lys Or.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours in front of a Portcullis chained Sable a Bugle Horn stringed Or.
Motto : 'DEO ADJUVANTE' - By the help of God.

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on March 14, 1951.

The castle and the portcullis refer to Apley Castle, which since the fourteenth century has been in the possession of the Charlton family (now represented by the Meyrick family), from whose arms the lion was taken. The frets are from the arms of the old local families of Eyton and Cludde.

The fleurs-de-lis are from the old Royal Arms in allusion to the fact that Wellington was the rendezvous of the Royalist forces in 1642, when King Charles I addressed his army here before moving to Shrewsbury. In 1644 Apley Castle and Wellington parish church were garrisoned by the Royalists, captured by the Parliamentary troops, and retaken by the Royalists.

The horn stands for Lord Forester, who is descended from the foresters of Wellington Hay, a portion of the Wrekin Forest.