Alton RDC

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ALTON (Rural district council)

Incorporated into : 1974 East Hampshire

Arms of Alton RDC

Unfortuantely I have no image. Any image is welcome !

Official blazon

Arms : Argent issuant from a Base barry wavy of four of the first and Vert a Mount also Vert thereon a Yew Tree proper on a Chief Sable three Lions' Faces jessant-de-Lys Or.
Crest : On a Wreath Argent and Vert a Greyhound sejant Sable charged on the shoulder with a Cinquefoil Argent and resting the dexter forepaw on an open Book proper edged and bound gold.
Motto : 'ALTO NOMINE' - Of high renown.

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on August 1, 1957.

The main colours, green and white, are those of the chalk downs and woodlands. The hill and tree refer to the downs and forests, the tree in particular emphasising the beauty of the district as embodied in the yew-tree at Selborne made famous by Gilbert White.

The wavy lines in base are an allusion to the River Wey. The three lions' heads pierced by fleurs de lys are from the arms of Sir Adam de Gurdon, who was the deposed lord of the manor of Selbourne and a follower of Simon de Montfort. His lands were later restored upon the accession of Edward, and in 1272 he was made keeper of the Forest of Woolmer.

The greyhound is from the crest of the Palmer, Earls of Selborne charged with the Norton cinquefoil, it holds a book for Jane Austen and Gilbert White.

The motto can also be read in punning heraldy fashion as "Alton by name".