Penzance

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PENZANCE

Incorporated into : 1974 Penwith (2009 Cornwall)

Official blazon

Arms: Argent a Paschal Lamb proper in base a Maltese Cross Azure on a Chief embattled of the last between two Keys in saltire wards upwards Or and a Saltire couped Argent a Plate charged with a Dagger point downwards Gules.
Crest: Within a Mural Crown Or an Ancient Ship with three masts in full sail sinking by the stern and with guns firing all proper.
Supporters: On the dexter side a Pirate holding in the exterior hand a Cutlass and on the sinister side a Fisherman holding over his exterior arm a Net all proper.
Motto: 'QUOD IMPROBUM TERRET PROBO PRODEST' - To the dread and terror of the bad and to the reward of the good

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on June 12, 1934.

The shield has devices which symbolise the parishes that made up the borough. These are represented by the lamb and the flag, a Maltese cross, the crossed keys of St. Peter, cross of St Andrew and the sword of St Paul.

The crest and dexter supporter refer to the fame brought to the town by the comic opera, The Pirates Of Penzance, by Gilbert and Sullivan. The sinister supporter is a fisherman, similar to that found in the Cornwall County Council arms.

The Latin motto means "For the reward of the good and the dread and terror of the bad" and is taken the town's charter.

Before 1934 the city only used a seal with the head of St. John on a platter, see below.