Blackburn
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 Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom |
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BLACKBURN (Borough council)
Incorporated into: 1974 Blackburn with Darwen
Official blazon
Arms : Argent a Fesse wavy Sable between three Bees volant proper on a Chief Vert a Bugle stringed Argent between two Fusils Or.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours a Shuttle Or thereon a Dove wings elevated Argent and holding in the beak the Thread of the Shuttle reflexed over the back and an Olive Branch proper.
Motto : 'ARTE ET LABORE' - By skill and labour
Origin/meaning
The arms were officially granted on February 14, 1852.
The black wave across the middle of the shield is the Black Burn that names the town. The white field of the arms represents the calico industry. The bees are symbols of industry and also suggest the initial B of blackburn's name. The green chief charged with a bugle horn refers to the ancient royal forest. The fusils are from the arms of Joseph Feilden, then lord of the manor, and also suggest spinning.
The crest has a dove and olive branch, a popular charge in Victorian civic arms. He stands on a weaver's shuttle. The crest represents the beneficial results emanating from the art of weaving.
The motto means By Skill and Labour. This motto is very appropriate because Blackburn, once a small town, has risen to importance through the energy and enterprise of her spinners and manufacturers, combined with the skill and labour of her operatives.
 The arms as used on a JaJa postcard +/- 1905 |
 The arms on a Wills's cigarette card, 1906 |
 The arms on a Dexters cigarette card, 1905 |
 The arms in the Coffee Hag albums +/- 1925 |
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© since 1995, Heraldry of the World, Ralf Hartemink 
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Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones