West Devon

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

WEST DEVON

Additions : 1974 Okehamptom Borough, Okehampton RDC, Tavistock

Official blazon

Arms : Quarterly Gules and chequy Or and Azure on a Pale wavy Argent between in the first quuarter a Fleece Or and in the fourth quarter a Tower Argent a Pallet wavy Azure.
Crest : On a Wreath Or Gules and Azure a Mount Vert thereon a Dartmoor Pony passant supporting with the sinister foreleg a Branch of Oak fructed proper.
Motto : 'CRESCIT SUB PONDERE VIRTUS' - Manliness grows out of adversity

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on ?

The shield contains on the left hand side Tavistock's traditional red with a golden branded fleece and is emblematical of the woollen trade which contributed largely to the prosperity of the area during the 15th and 16th centuries. On the right hand side of the shield is depicted the Castle of Okehampton and the shield is also indicative of the broad areas of agriculture, whilst the two halves are connected by the three main rivers, which run through West Devon.

The crest depicts a Dartmoor pony with an oak branch supported by the foreleg. The branch represents the woodlands of the area. The helmet is a link with the noble families (such as the Russells and the Dukes of Bedford), who were most generous benefactors to the area.

The motto is one which was used by the old Tavistock Grammar School and has been freely translated as "Manliness grows out of adversity".

Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones.