West Lindsey

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

WEST LINDSEY

Additions : 1974 Caistor RDC, Gainsborough UDC, Gainsborough RDC, Market Rasen, Welton

Official blazon

Arms : Vert a Fess Ermine of five Spots between in chief the head of a Roman Legionary Standard between two Garbs of Barley or and in base on Water barry wavy of four Argent and Azure a Viking Ship Or the sail set Argent.
Crest : On a Wreath Argent and Vert on a Mount an Oak Tree proper fructed Or bound thereto by a circular Steel Chain proper two Anchors in saltire Or.
Supporters : On the dexter side a Lincolnshire Red Shorthorn Bull and on the sinister side a Lincoln Longwool Ram both guardant proper each supporting a Crosier Or.
Motto : 'STRIVE FOR THE GAIN OF ALL'

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on November 15, 1974.

The green background, like that of the Gainsborough UDC and the Caistor RDC, suggests the predominantly rural character of the area. The ermine 'fess' represents, as in the arms of the Gainsborough RDC and the Welton RDC , the Roman Ermine Street. The Roman legionary standard-head in gold is from the arms of the Caistor RDC and emphasizes the Roman associations of that part of Lindsey, this is flanked by two golden sheaves in the same position as in the arms of the Gainsborough UDC and the former Lindsey County Council. The sheaves in the former arms, though not so specified are shown as wheat, while those in the County arms are depicted as barley. The latter is preferred in the new arms as being the more general crop over the whole region, and as having particular reference to the malting industry of Market Rasen. The gold Viking Ship is from the Lindsey arms and the white and blue waves where common to the arms of both the Gainsborough UDC and RDC. Like the dragon ship in the latter's crest, the vessel refers to the Scandinavian incursions into the area by way of the Trent and the settlement under Swein or Sweyn at Gainsborough.

The grassy mound, represents the Lincolnshire Heights and the Wolds. The oak tree with gold acorns, refers to the woodlands, such as Willingham Forest, and particularly the timber park at Brocklesby Woods, where the Earls of Yarborough have established scientific forestry as one of the district's most notable features. The gold crossed anchors from the crest of the Gainsborough UDC, recall the importance to the economic life of the area of the Trent Navigation. The circular steel chain, securing the anchors to the tree are reminder of the allusive 'links' from the Lindsey crest and of the engineering industry of the Gainsborough area.

The Lincolnshire Red Shorthorn bull and the Lincoln Longwool ram, are characteristic Lincolnshire beasts, and represent the dairying activities of the western side of the district and the extensive sheep farming of the middle and eastern parts. The gold crosiers suggests the many historical links of the district with the Bishops of Lincoln, the ancient See of Lindsey, and with Odo, Bishop of Bayeux, half-brother of William the Conqueror and holder of the Manor of Market Rasen in Norman times.

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Literature : Image and information fromhttp://www.civicheraldry.co.uk