West Berkshire

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

WEST BERKSHIRE

Additions : 1974 Bradfield RDC, Hungerford RDC, Newbury Borough, Newbury RDC, Wantage RDC (partly)

Official blazon

Arms : Per pale Or and Gules two Bendlets interlaced with two Bendlets sinister between in chief and in base a Cog-Wheel surmounted by a Garb all counter-changed.
Crest : On a Wreath Argent and Gules on a Mount Vert a Mural Crown Or thereon a Cavalier holding a Sword erect and upon a Horse forcené proper.
Motto : 'FORWARD TOGETHER'.

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on ?

The charges on the shield show the traditional and modern industries of the area. The fretted bendlets are for weaving, carried on in Newbury town. The garbs are for the agriculture of the surrounding district, and the cogwheels are for modern engineering industries now flourishing in West Berkshire. The gold colouring is for the richness of the area, and the red stands for the effort (blood and sweat) needed to maintain it.

The crest has a grassy mount, for the downs (uplands) of the district. The mural crown is the symbol of local government. The cavalier or Royalist horseman recalls the First and Second Battles of Newbury, during the English Civil War.

The red and white livery is that of Lord Sieff of Brimpton.