Clacton

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CLACTON

Incorporated into : 1974 Tendring

Official blazon

Arms : Per chevron Azure crusilly Argent and Gules in chief two Cinquefoils of the second and in base as many Swords in saltire Or.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours a Lymphad Gules sail set proper charged with an Escallop Or Anchor of the last Pennant Azure and Flags flying from the stem and stern of the last each charged with an Escallop Gold.
Motto : 'LUX SALUBRITAS FELICITAS' - Light, health, happiness

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on April 14, 1938.

The arms are based upon the unofficial device used before the arms were granted. The crosslets and cinquefoils are from the arms of the d'Arcy family of St. Osyth, who held the Manor of Great Clacton for some time after the Reformation. The crossed swords on red are from the arms of the See of London, to whom Clacton belonged from the Norman Conquest until 1545.

The ancient galley indicated Clacton's maritime importance. The scallop shells are emblems of St. James, to whom the district church at Clacton-on-Sea is dedicated and are also appropriate to a seaside resort.