Norfolk Heraldry Society

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NORFOLK HERALDRY SOCIETY

Official blazon

Official blazon

English

Arms: Per pale indented Or and Sable between two lions passant guardant a Lion counter passant guardant all in pale Ermine. Crest: On a Helm with a Wreath Or and Sable issuing from a Coronet Or a demi-Lion Ermine holding between the paws a Mitre Or, Mantling: Sable doubled Or. Motto: 'The Lion is our Shield'

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on August 6, 1996.

The arms are based on the design used on the original issue of the "Norfolk Standard", and the arms granted to the County of Norfolk. The field is that of Norfolk with the paler line indented for difference. The lions are those of the "Norfolk Standald", being ermine as is the bend of the county arms.

The lion is repeated in the crest. The coronet is intended to be an ancient crown representing East Anglia or St. Edmund, King and Martyr (who is arguably still the rightful patron saint of England) and which also appears in the arms of The Heraldry Society and seemed to be particularly appropriate in 1996 which was the 900th anniversary of the Cathedral.

The motto refers to the arms and to heraldry, being a play on 'shield'.

Literature : Heraldry Gazette 65(1997)4.