Bray

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the Ireland

BRAY

County : Wicklow

Origin/meaning

The arms were devised to suggest topographical features and to commemorate local history.

In the shield, the chevron represents the bridge over the Dargle river which separates Little Bray from Bray. On one side above the chevron is a bell, which represents the ruined church of considerable antiquity known as Raheenacluig, at Bray Head. On the other side is a lion, taken from the arms of the O'Tooles, a family which had a castle at Powerscourt and which has been prominent in the Bray districtsince early times.
On the centre of the chevron is a martlet, or heraldic swallow, which signifies the long and close association of the family of Brabazon, Earls of Meath, with the civic life of Bray.
In the lower part of the shield is a mermaid, derived from the arms of O'Byrne, another family which is closely associated with Bray and which took a very active part in the wars of the sixteen^th century.

The motto "Féile agus Failte" means "Hospitality and Welcome".

The arms as used on a JaJa postcard +/- 1905

The arms on a 1906 postcard

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