Workington

WORKINGTON

Incorporated into : 1974 Allerdale

Official blazon

Arms : Sable between two Piles Or billettée Azure a Garb of the second.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours issuant from a Mural Crown Or a Unicorn's Head Argent holding in the mouth an Anchor in bend Sable.
Supporters : On the dexter a representation of Vulcan and on the sinister a representation of Themis both proper.
Motto: 'LEVAVI OCULOS MEOS IN MONTES' - I lifted up mine eyes unto the hills.

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on November 15, 1950.

The black field, the wheatsheaf and the blue billets represent coal, agriculture steel respectively. The piles form the initial letter W and are gold for the prosperity derived from the town's industries.

The mural crown is a symbol of civic government and the unicorn's head is derived from the crest of the Curwen family, to which has been added an anchor denoting Workington's maritime links.

Vulcan is the god of metal workers, and Themis is the classical personification of civic rule.

The motto is from the Vulgate Psalm CXXI, but the motto shown on the Letters Patent is 'FLOREAT OPPIDUM LABORANS'.