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Reading (Berkshire): Difference between revisions
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The arms were recorded in 1566, and were based on the common seal of the town, which was in use as early as 1365. In this seal, still in use today, the heads are those of men, the middle one wearing a Saxon crown. It has been suggested that the central head represented Edward, King of the English (975-8), assassinated at the instigation of his stepmother, Queen Elfrida, in order that her own son should occupy the throne. In expiation of her crime, Elfrida founded a nunnery at Reading on the site of St Mary's Church. | The arms were recorded in 1566, and were based on the common seal of the town, which was in use as early as 1365. In this seal, still in use today, the heads are those of men, the middle one wearing a Saxon crown. It has been suggested that the central head represented Edward, King of the English (975-8), assassinated at the instigation of his stepmother, Queen Elfrida, in order that her own son should occupy the throne. In expiation of her crime, Elfrida founded a nunnery at Reading on the site of St Mary's Church. | ||
The letters RE are found on the | The letters RE are found on the arms of the 1566 grant but omitted in the one of 1623 and subsequently until they were restored in 1953. The exact meaning of the letters 'RE' is not known. Some authorities | ||
consider that they stood for the first two letters of the name of the town. As their first known use was in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, some consider that they stood for Regina Elizabetha. Their re-introduction in the | consider that they stood for the first two letters of the name of the town. As their first known use was in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, some consider that they stood for Regina Elizabetha. Their re-introduction in the | ||
present Borough Arms may also be regarded as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, in whose coronation year these new arms were granted. | present Borough Arms may also be regarded as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, in whose coronation year these new arms were granted. | ||