Orpington

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

ORPINGTON

Incorporated into : 1965 Bromley

Official blazon

Arms: Or a Fesse wavy Azure charged with a Barrulet wavy Argent in chief two Mural Crowns Gules and in base a Torteau thereon a Sword erect proper pommel and hilt Gold the blade enfiled with a Chain of Steel also proper and the whole within a Bordure Vert.
Crest: On a Wreath of the Colours a Horse rampant Argent gorged with a Mural Crown Gules.
Motto 'PROGREDIOR' - I progress.

Origin/meaning

The arms were granted on July 30, 1956.

The blue and white wave represents the River Cray, which has its source in the District, and the mural crowns symbolise the urban development in the northern and central parts of the District. The sword and chain are derived from the badge of the famous Royal Air Force Station at Biggin Hill. The green border represents the Green Belt around London, and symbolises the rural character of the extensive eastern and southern parts of the District, which lie within the Belt.

The white horse, previously used as an emblem by the Council, is from the arms of the Kent County Council, and the mural crown from the shield, symbol of civic government, makes the crest distinctive to Orpington.

Literature : Information and image from http://www.civicheraldry.co.uk/.