Cheshunt

CHESHUNT

Incorporated into: 1974 Broxbourne

Official blazon

Arms: Argent a Fesse wavy Azure surmounted by a Pale Ermine on a Chief of the second a Castle triple towered Or between a Rose Gules and a Thistle dimidiated both slipped and leaved and an Oak Tree eradicated and fructed proper.
Crest: On a Wreath of the Colours a Falcon proper belled and resting the dexter claw on a Cross Pattee Or.
Motto: 'CESTREHUNT'

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on November 6, 1945.

The blue wavy and the ermine bands represent the River Lea and the Roman Ermine Street, the former forms the district's eastern boundary and the later crosses the district south to north. The combined rose and thistle, is one of the badges of James I and refers to his residence at Theobalds Palace.

The castle is taken from the arms of Castile in allusion to Queen Eleanor and the memorial at Waltham Cross, erected by Edward I, which marks one of the resting places of her body on is journey from Harby to Westminster Abbey. The oak tree refers to Goff's Oak in the western part of the district.

The falcon refers to the fact that the district was noted for falconry, and the cross is from the arms of the Meux family, late of Theobalds, who have been benefactors to the district.