Coalville

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

COALVILLE

Incorporated into : 1974 North West Leicestershire

Official blazon

Arms : Or two Pallets between six Lozenges Sable on a Chief Azure a Maunch between two Garbs of the Field.
Crest : Out of a Coronet composed of six Lozenges Gules set upon a Rim Or an Oak Tree rooted upon a Rock proper; Mantled Sable doubled Or.
Motto : 'EX TERRA OPES'-From the earth wealth

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on March 23, 1956

The six black diamonds allude to coal mining and to the six wards which comprise the district, with two black lines indicative of railway lines. The railway, being one of the earliest in the country, was constructed by Robert Stephenson, son of George Stephenson of railway fame, to convey coal from the pit head to the marketing terminal at Leicester. The blue of the chief is taken from the arms of Beaumont, the maunch or sleeve from the arms of Hastings and the sheaves from the arms of Comyn. These three families have played an important part in the history of the district.

The oak tree represents Charnwood Forest, upon a rock, allusive to the volcanic rocks in the area. The Coronet composed of six Lozenges (only four visible) is red to enhance the colour effect of the arms, and is allusive to the blood shed in the winning of the coal.

The motto refers to the coalmining, quarrying and agricultural activities in the district.

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