Wimbledon

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

WIMBLEDON

Incorporated into : 1965 Merton

Official blazon

Arms : Argent a double-headed Eagle displayed Sable armed and legged Gules on the dexter wing a Rose and on the sinister a Fret Or a Bordure compony Gold and Azure.
Crest : Issuant from a Mural Crown a Garb supported on either side by a Cornish Chough all proper.
Motto : 'SINE LABE DECUS' - Honour without stain

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on October 15, 1906.

The arms are those attributed by Tudor Heralds to the Roman Emporer Julius Caesar. A totally baseless local legend says that Caesar invaded England and camped at Wimbledon. There is still an area of Wimbledon Common known as Caesar's Camp. The arms have been differenced by the placing of charges on the eagle's wings. These are a gold rose, badge of King Edward I, and a gold fret from the arms of Merton Priory.

The crest has choughs from the arms of Thomas Cromwell, one time lord of Wimbledon. The garb refers to the rural past of the area.

The arms in the Coffee Hag albums +/- 1925

Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones (laurencejones@eircom.net)