Merton

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

MERTON

Additions : 1965 Merton and Morden, Mitcham, Wimbledon

Official blazon

Arms : Sable a Fret on a Chief Or two Keys in saltire wards upwards and outwards surmounted by a Sword point downwards between a double-headed Eagle displayed Sable armed and legged Gules and a Lion passant Sable armed and langued Gules.
Crest : Issuant from a Mural Crown Or and in front of three Sprigs of Lavender proper a Fret Or thereon a Cornish Chough proper; Mantled Sable doubled Or.
Supporters : On the dexter side a Lion and on the sinister side an Eagle wings addorsed Sable each gorged with a Mural Crown Or.
Motto : 'STAND FAST IN HONOUR AND STRENGTH'

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on January 1, 1965.

The main charge is a gold fret on black, taken from the arms of Merton Priory. This represents the new Borough of Merton, and is known by the council as the Merton Fret. The chief is charged with emblems for each of the three merged councils. The double headed eagle comes from the arms of Wimbledon. It was part of the attributed arms of Julius Caesar, who traditionally set up camp on Wimbledon Common. The crossed keys and sword come the arms of Mitcham. They are the emblems of Saints Peter and Paul, patron saints of the town.

The lion comes from Merton and Morden's arms. It is derived from the arms of Sir Richard Garth, Lord of the Manor of Morden.

The Merton fret appears atop of which is a chough. The bird is from the arms of Thomas Cromwell, one time lord of Wimbledon. The lavender sprigs recall the ancient lavender fields of Mitcham.

The supporters repeat the two animals found on the chief of the shield, each differenced by a gold mural crown.

The motto is a combination of those used by the old councils.

Literature : Image and information provided by Laurence Jones