Cherwell

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CHERWELL

Additions: 1974 Banbury (Borough), Banbury RDC, Bicester UDC, Ploughly UDC

Official blazon

Arms: Vert a Pale wavy Or thereon a Pale wavy Azure all between two Pallets Argent on each a Pallet Azure.
Crest: On a Wreath Or and Vert in front of a Rainbow proper an Oak Tree eradicated Sable leaved Vert and fructed Or, Mantled Vert and Azure lined Or and Argent.
Motto: From Cherwell flows prosperity

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on March 21, 2016

The green background represents the countryside of North Oxfordshire and the gold edged wavy pale the River Cherwell. The pale flows north to south just as the River Cherwell flows through the area and gives the District its name. To either side of the River Cherwell are two blue lines that run the length of the Shield - one to represent the M40 motorway and the other to represent the Oxford Canal. Both of which also run throughout the length of the district and help emphasise both the district’s location in the centre of England and the benefits which a combination of location and communication have brought to the area.

The oak tree symbolises the Cherwell countryside and hearts of oak are an appropriate crest for a district which is at the heart of England. For Christians, indeed for all the Abrahamic faiths, the rainbow is a symbol of God’s covenant with mankind but over the years the rainbow has also equally come to be seen as a symbol of diversity and supporting inclusiveness and thus indicates that everyone whoever they are and from wherever they have come are respected and valued in Cherwell.