Staines

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STAINES

Incorporated into : 1974 Spelthorne

Official blazon

Arms : Gules on a Fesse barry wavy of four Argent and Azure between in Chief two Swans respectant proper and in base a representation of London Stone Or between two Seaxes blades upwards and outwards of the second hilted and pommelled a representation of the Staines Bridge Gold.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours upon the Battlements of a Tower Or a Greyhound sejant Gules.
Motto: 'AD PONTES PROSPICIMUS' - At the bridges we look forward.

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on June 4, 1951.

The central feature consists of a representation of Staines Bridge, upon white and blue waves for the Thames. The two swans are also appropriate to the river, where they may be regarded as Royal birds, being the property of the Crown. The depiction of the London Stone refers to the local landmark, the original of which was erected in the reign of Edward I, to mark the most westerly point of the City of London's Jurisdiction over the Thames.

Both the swans and the London Stone figured in the device formerly used by the Urban District Council.

The Seaxes are from the arms of the Middlesex County Council, in whose area the district was originally situated.

The greyhound is from the heraldry of Mr H. Scott Freeman, Clerk of the Council 1901-46, who bore the cost of the grant.

Ad Pontes was the Roman name for Staines.