Birkenhead (England)

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

BIRKENHEAD

Incorporated into : 1974 Wirral

Official blazon

Arms : Quarterly Or and Argent on a Cross Gules between a Lion passant of the last in the first quarter an Oak Tree issuant from a Mount proper in the second an Estoile Azure in the third and two Lions passant in the fourth a Crosier in pale of the first and two Crescents in fesse of the second.
Crest :On a Wreath of the Colours upon a Rock proper in front of a Crosier erect Or a Lion Azure resting the dexter paw on an Anchor also Or.
Motto : 'UBI FIDES IBI LUX ET ROBUR' - Where there is faith there is light and strength

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on August 28, 1878.

The borough of Birkenhead was founded in 1877 after the merger of Birkenhead, Claughton-cum-Grange, Oxton and Tranmere. The new borough received its arms on August 28, 1878, and the symbols in the new arms were taken from the seals of the former towns.

The crosier and the lion were taken from the old Birkenhead seal and represent the Benedictine monastery in Birkenhead. The monastery was founded by Hamon de Massey in 1150 and the lion is taken from the arms of the Massey family. The oak is taken from Tranmere. The two lions are taken from Oxton.

The meaning of the crescents is not known.The crest shows the lion and crosier again as well as an anchor symbolising that Birkenhead depends on sailing and shipping.

The arms as used on a JaJa postcard +/- 1905	The arms on a Wills's cigarette card, 1906
The arms in the Coffee Hag albums +/- 1925

Literature : Information provided by the Wirral Council.