Uckfield
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Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom |
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UCKFIELD (Rural district council)
Incorporated into : 1974 Wealden
Official blazon
Arms : Argent on a Field in base Vert an Oak Tree fructed and leaved proper between two Martlets respectant in fesse Azure all within a Bordure gobony of the first and last.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours upon a Mount Vert a Boar rampant Sable armed and unguled Or supporting a Cresset fired proper.
Motto : 'LIKE AS THE OAK'
Origin/meaning
The arms were officially granted on January 30, 1948.
The oak tree represents Ashdown Forest, and depicted growing out of a green field, plays on the name of Uckfield (an old spelling is Okkefeld), which suggests an oak in a field. The field is also intended to typify the district's agricultural activities. The two blue martlets represent the County of Sussex, and the blue and silver border, of the Lancastrian colours, represents John of Gaunt's association with Ashdown Forest, which was once known as Lancaster Great Park.
The boar or hog is a rebus of Ralph Hogge, the ironmaster of Buxted, who cast the first iron cannon in this country. The black boar stands erect against a blazing beacon, which represents Crowborough Beacon, the highest point of the District, where the Council Offices were stuated.
The motto is from the opening words of a poem on Samuel Pepys, by Rudyard Kipling, once a resident of Crowborough. The first stanza of the poem reads: Like as the Oak, whose roots descend. Through earth and stillness seeking food, Most apt to furnish in the end That dense, indomitable wood.
Literature : Information provided by here