Crewe

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

CREWE

Incorporated into : 1974 Crewe and Nantwich

Official blazon

Arms :Ermine, a wheel Or; on a chief wavy azure a maunch between two garbs gold.
Crest : On a wreath Or and azure, A demi lion argent holding between the claws a cog-wheel Or.
Motto : 'Semper Contendo'

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on March 18, 1955.

The wheel is symbolic of the railway industry and its six spokes represent the six lines radiating from Crewe station, its golden colour emphasizes the prosperity brought to the town by this industry. The blue of the chief recalls the field colour of the County arms and also that of the Marquis of Crewe. On this are two of the golden wheat sheaves of Cheshire and also a maunch, this together with the field of ermine may be said to typify the clothing industry. Ermine was also used in the arms of Fouleshurst of Crewe, who won his spurs at the battle of Poictiers and was probably one of the earliest residents of Crewe mentioned as receiving battle honours. The wavy edge to the blue chief signifies flowing water and represents the Valley Brook or, as it used to be called, the River Waldron flowing across the old township of Monks Coppenhall whose boundaries enclosed the original Borough of Crewe and upon whose waters the railway industry formerly depended.

The crest is formed by the white lion of the Crewe family, with red claws and tongue holding a golden cog wheel which typifies the engineering industry.

The motto may be translated, "Ever pressing forward," in contrast with Crewe's former motto, "Never behind".

Before 1955 the borough used the 'arms' below, which were never granted.